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K42.9
ICD-10-CM
Periumbilical Hernia

Find comprehensive information on periumbilical hernia diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 code K42.0, and CPT codes for hernia repair. This resource covers umbilical hernia vs. periumbilical hernia, symptoms like abdominal bulging and pain, and relevant medical coding guidelines for accurate healthcare billing and documentation. Learn about the differential diagnosis of periumbilical hernias and best practices for clinical evaluation and management.

Also known as

Paraumbilical Hernia
Umbilical Hernia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Protrusion of abdominal contents near the belly button.
  • Clinical Signs : Soft, reducible bulge at the umbilicus, sometimes painful. May increase with coughing or straining.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, general surgery, pediatric surgery clinics. Often diagnosed during physical exam.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K42.9 Coding
K42-K46

Abdominal hernia

Covers various types of abdominal hernias, including umbilical and paraumbilical.

K42

Umbilical hernia

Specifically designates hernias occurring at the umbilicus (navel).

Q79.0

Congenital umbilical hernia

Identifies umbilical hernias present from birth.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the periumbilical hernia acquired?

  • Yes

    Is the hernia incarcerated or strangulated?

  • No, congenital

    Is the hernia incarcerated or strangulated?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Periumbilical Hernia
Umbilical Hernia
Epigastric Hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Periumbilical hernia documentation: site, size
  • Reducibility of hernia (reducible, incarcerated, strangulated)
  • Symptoms: pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting
  • Defect size, palpation findings, overlying skin changes
  • Associated conditions impacting surgical plan

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Incisional vs. Umbilical

    Miscoding incisional hernia (K43.0-K43.9) as periumbilical (K42.0) due to proximity. Requires careful documentation of defect location.

  • Unspecified Hernia Type

    Coding to unspecified abdominal hernia (K40-K46) lacking specific documentation of periumbilical presentation. Impacts quality reporting.

  • Complication Coding Errors

    Missing documentation and codes for obstruction (K42.01) or gangrene (K42.02), impacting reimbursement and severity reflection.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document umbilical protrusion, size, reducibility for accurate ICD-10 coding (K42).
  • Capture periumbilical defect location, symptoms (pain, swelling) in operative reports for CDI.
  • Query physician for hernia content (intestine, fat) to support medical necessity and compliance.
  • Ensure proper CPT code selection (e.g., 49580-49587) based on surgical repair complexity.
  • Consistent documentation of periumbilical vs. umbilical hernia improves coding accuracy and reimbursement.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Palpable bulge near umbilicus during exam
  • Defect in abdominal wall at umbilicus noted
  • Patient reports umbilical bulge, pain, or swelling
  • Review prior imaging for umbilical abnormalities
  • Assess for complications incarceration strangulation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Periumbilical Hernia Reimbursement: CPT 49580, 49585, 49650 impacts payments. Coding accuracy crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics: Surgical site infection (SSI) tracking key for hernia repair. Accurate documentation vital for hospital quality reporting.
  • ICD-10 K42 affects DRG assignment and subsequent reimbursement. Proper coding ensures appropriate resource allocation.
  • Post-op complications like recurrence impact hospital readmission rates. Accurate coding and documentation essential for performance tracking.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K42.0 for acquired periumbilical hernia
  • K42.9 for unspecified umbilical hernia
  • Document hernia size and reducibility
  • Specify if incarcerated or strangulated
  • Use ICD-10-CM coding guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with a periumbilical hernia.  Examination reveals a palpable bulge or protrusion localized to the periumbilical region, adjacent to the umbilicus (navel).  The patient may report associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort, or a sense of pressure, particularly with straining, coughing, or lifting.  The hernia may be reducible, spontaneously reducing when supine, or may require manual reduction.  The size of the hernia defect is documented, and the presence of any overlying skin changes, such as erythema or discoloration, is noted.  Differential diagnoses considered include umbilical hernia, epigastric hernia, and incisional hernia.  Assessment includes evaluation for complications such as incarceration or strangulation, indicated by severe pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and irreducible hernia.  Current treatment plan includes patient education on hernia management, observation for changes in symptoms, and discussion of surgical options such as herniorrhaphy or hernia repair, if indicated.  Risks and benefits of surgical intervention were explained, and the patient's understanding was confirmed.  Follow-up is scheduled to monitor hernia progression and address any further concerns.  ICD-10 code K42.0 is considered for umbilical hernia, while K42.9 may be appropriate if documentation specifies periumbilical location.  CPT codes for potential surgical repair may include 49580, 49585, or others depending on the specific procedure performed.  Medical necessity for surgical intervention is documented based on patient symptoms, hernia characteristics, and potential complications.
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