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K42.9
ICD-10-CM
Umbilical Hernia

Find comprehensive information on umbilical hernia diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (K42, K42.9), CPT codes for repair (49580, 49585), and healthcare guidance. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and medical coding best practices for umbilical hernias in adults and infants. This resource provides valuable insights for physicians, coders, and healthcare professionals seeking accurate and up-to-date information on umbilical hernia diagnosis and management.

Also known as

Navel Hernia
Belly Button Hernia
umbilicus hernia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Intestinal protrusion through the abdominal wall near the navel.
  • Clinical Signs : Outward bulge at the belly button, often more visible when crying or straining. May be reducible.
  • Common Settings : Pediatrician office, family doctor clinic, general surgery consultation.

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.

K40-K46

Hernia

Includes all hernia types, offering a broader categorization.

Q79.0-Q79.9

Congenital malformations of abdominal wall

Relevant for congenital umbilical hernias present at birth.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the umbilical hernia obstructed?

  • Yes

    Is there gangrene?

  • No

    Is the hernia reducible?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Outward bulge at navel
Incisional hernia
Epigastric hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Umbilical hernia documentation: size, reducibility
  • Symptoms: pain, swelling, bulge at navel
  • Defect size and location specified
  • Incarceration or strangulation noted if present
  • Surgical repair indicated? Document if so

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Incisional Hernia Confusion

    Miscoding umbilical hernias as incisional hernias, especially after abdominal surgery. Requires careful documentation to distinguish.

  • Age Specificity Coding

    Incorrect coding based on patient age (congenital vs. acquired). Pediatric and adult umbilical hernias have distinct codes.

  • Complication/Strangulation

    Failure to capture incarceration or strangulation, complicating the hernia diagnosis. Impacts severity and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document hernia size, location, reducibility for accurate ICD-10 coding (K42.x).
  • Capture symptoms, complications for CDI, supporting medical necessity.
  • Use standardized terminology for consistent documentation, compliant coding.
  • Surgical repair? Note type of repair, mesh use for optimal reimbursement.
  • Regularly audit umbilical hernia documentation for coding, CDI compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Palpable bulge at umbilicus during exam
  • Defect size documented in cm
  • Reducibility of hernia noted
  • Assess for incarceration or strangulation
  • ICD-10 K42, CPT 49580 documented if surgical repair

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Umbilical Hernia Reimbursement: CPT 49580-49585, ICD-10 K42, accurate coding maximizes payment, reduces denials.
  • Coding accuracy impacts quality metrics: proper K42 and procedure code selection reflects surgical care quality.
  • Hospital reporting: accurate umbilical hernia data crucial for quality improvement initiatives, resource allocation.
  • Hernia repair reimbursement tied to complication rates: accurate coding of complications (e.g., seroma, infection) is key.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K42, specify reducible/incarcerated
  • Document umbilical defect size
  • Query physician for complications
  • Note age, important for coding
  • Include symptoms in documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with an umbilical hernia, characterized by a protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the umbilical ring.  Examination reveals a palpable bulge at the umbilicus, evident with increased intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing or straining.  Hernia size is documented as [diameter in centimeters].  The hernia is [reducible, incarcerated, or strangulated].  Overlying skin is [intact, erythematous, or discolored].  Patient reports [asymptomatic, pain, discomfort, or other associated symptoms].  Differential diagnosis includes umbilical granuloma, diastasis recti, and lipoma.  Assessment considers reducibility, presence of complications such as incarceration or strangulation, and patient age.  Plan includes [observation, surgical repair, elective surgery consultation, or hernia support].  Patient education provided regarding hernia risks, complications, and management.  Follow-up scheduled for [date or time frame].  ICD-10 code K42.9 is considered.  CPT codes for potential procedures include 49580, 49585, or 49650 depending on the surgical approach and complexity if performed.  Medical necessity for any intervention will be documented.