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K43.9
ICD-10-CM
Ventral Hernia

Find comprehensive information on ventral hernia diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 and CPT codes for accurate medical coding, hernia repair surgery details, and postoperative care guidelines. Learn about different types of ventral hernias such as incisional, umbilical, and epigastric hernias. Explore symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ventral hernias with this expert guide for healthcare professionals.

Also known as

Abdominal Hernia
Incisional Hernia
Umbilical Hernia
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall, excluding groin/umbilicus.
  • Clinical Signs : Bulge or swelling in abdomen, possible pain or discomfort, may be reducible.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, general surgery clinics, emergency departments for incarceration/strangulation.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K43.9 Coding
K43.0-K43.9

Ventral hernia

Abdominal wall hernias excluding umbilical, femoral, and inguinal hernias.

K40-K46

Abdominal hernias

Hernias of the abdominal cavity, including inguinal and femoral hernias.

K00-K93

Diseases of digestive system

Covers conditions affecting the digestive tract, including hernias.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the ventral hernia incisional?

  • Yes

    Is it recurrent?

  • No

    Is there obstruction or gangrene?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ventral Hernia
Incisional Hernia
Umbilical Hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ventral hernia diagnosis: Document location, size, contents
  • ICD-10 code K43: Specify hernia type (e.g., incisional)
  • Surgical repair: Document mesh use, type, and fixation
  • Physical exam: Palpate defect, document reducibility
  • Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, bowel obstruction details

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding ventral hernia without specifying incisional or other type can lead to claim denials and inaccurate quality reporting. CDI can clarify.

  • Recurrence Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding a recurrent ventral hernia as primary affects reimbursement and data analysis. Proper documentation is crucial for accurate coding.

  • Complication Oversights

    Failing to code associated complications like obstruction or gangrene impacts DRG assignment and reflects poorly on quality measures. Thorough documentation is key.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 K43.9, K43.0-K43.8 for site specificity. CDI: precise location crucial.
  • Document hernia type: epigastric, umbilical, incisional. Supports accurate coding.
  • Surgical repair? CPT codes vary by type, size, complexity. CDI: detail operative approach.
  • Pre-op diagnosis confirmation vital for compliance. Query physician if unclear.
  • Post-op documentation: mesh use, complications. Impacts coding, reimbursement.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Palpable bulge: Document size, location, reducibility.
  • Assess for pain, nausea, vomiting: Obstruction risk.
  • Prior abdominal surgery? Document type, date.
  • Imaging: Ultrasound or CT confirmation. Code findings.
  • Surgical plan: Document repair type, mesh use.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ventral Hernia Reimbursement: CPT codes 49560-49620 drive payment. Accurate coding crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Correct ICD-10-CM codes (K43.x) essential for proper DRG assignment & accurate hospital reporting.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are key quality indicators affecting hospital value-based payments.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Accurate ventral hernia repair data impacts publicly reported quality measures & hospital rankings.

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 specific hernia location
  • Document defect size
  • Include repair details
  • Check for incisional hernia
  • Note any mesh used

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with a ventral hernia.  Symptoms include a visible or palpable bulge in the abdominal wall, potentially accompanied by discomfort, pain, or a dragging sensation.  The ventral hernia location was noted (e.g., epigastric, umbilical, incisional, spigelian).  The size of the hernia defect was estimated (e.g., reducible, incarcerated, strangulated).  Associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or changes in bowel habits were documented, if present.  Past surgical history, including prior abdominal surgeries and any history of hernia repair, was reviewed.  Physical examination revealed a palpable defect in the abdominal wall musculature.  The hernia sac contents were assessed for reducibility.  Differential diagnoses considered include lipoma, hematoma, seroma, and abdominal wall abscess.  Surgical consultation may be warranted depending on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the ventral hernia.  Treatment options such as watchful waiting, hernia repair surgery (e.g., open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair), and use of mesh reinforcement were discussed with the patient.  Patient education provided regarding hernia risks, complications (e.g., incarceration, strangulation), and post-operative care.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for reassessment and further management as needed.  ICD-10 code K43.9 for ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene, or other appropriate ICD-10 code based on specific presentation, will be used for billing and coding purposes.  CPT codes for relevant procedures, such as hernia repair, will be determined based on the chosen treatment approach.
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