Ventral Hernia ICD-10-CM Codes | 2025

Ventral Hernia ICD-10-CM Codes | 2025

Explore 2025 ICD-10-CM codes for ventral hernias, including types, symptoms, complications, and billing.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

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What are ventral hernia ICD codes?

When coding for ventral hernia and other abdominal hernias, accurate ICD-10-CM codes are essential for billing, documentation, and treatment planning. These hernias occur due to a weakness in the anterior abdominal wall, causing organs or tissues to protrude through.

Below are several examples of billable ICD-10 codes that reflect different types and complications of ventral and related hernias:

  • K43.9 – Ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene
  • K43.2 – Incisional hernia without obstruction or gangrene
  • K43.0 – Incisional hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
  • K43.1 – Incisional hernia with gangrene
  • K42.0 - Umbilical hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
  • K43.6 – Other and unspecified ventral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
  • K45.0 – Other specified abdominal hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
  • K46.9 – Unspecified abdominal hernia without obstruction or gangrene

Which Ventral Hernia ICD-10-CM Codes are billable?

Each of the above ICD-10-CM codes are billable for reimbursement. Whether the hernia is specified, unspecified, with obstruction, without gangrene, or has developed gangrene, these codes reflect critical diseases of the digestive system that must be properly documented.

Clinical information

A hernia occurs when internal contents push through a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall. In the case of ventral hernias, this typically involves protrusions along the midline or prior surgical sites (e.g., incisional hernia), but it can also include epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric, or Spigelian hernias.

Types of abdominal hernias

  • Ventral hernia (NOS): A broad term encompassing any anterior abdominal wall defect not otherwise classified.
  • Incisional hernia: Often seen in patients who’ve had abdominal surgery; arises when a surgical incision fails to heal fully.
  • Umbilical hernia: Typically appears around the navel, especially in infants or adults with increased intra-abdominal pressure.
  • Epigastric hernia: Located between the sternum and umbilicus, frequently presenting with mild discomfort or visible bulge.
  • Spigelian hernia: A rare lateral abdominal wall hernia occurring along the semilunar line.
  • Parastomal hernia: Occurs adjacent to an existing stoma, a common complication in colostomy patients.

Related conditions and symptoms

  • Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or constipation may accompany some abdominal hernias.
  • Pain or bulging at the site of the hernia is a common indicator.
  • In pregnancy, pressure can increase the risk of umbilical or ventral hernias.
  • Incarcerated ventral hernia indicates that the hernia is trapped and cannot be pushed back in—possibly requiring surgical repair.

Synonyms include:

  • Hernia of anterior abdominal wall
  • Recurrent hernia of anterior abdominal wall
  • Rupture of hernia of abdominal wall
  • Incisional hernia
  • Ventral incisional hernia
  • Epigastric hernia
  • Paraumbilical hernia

Popular search terms for ventral hernia

  • Ventral hernia ICD 10
  • ICD 10 code for ventral hernia
  • ICD 10 ventral hernia
  • Incarcerated ventral hernia ICD 10
  • ICD 10 code for incarcerated ventral hernia

Commonly asked questions

Healthcare professionals can reduce the risk of incisional hernias by using proper surgical techniques, closing incisions with strong, layered sutures, and minimizing tension on the wound. Postoperative care is also critical and this includes infection prevention, managing intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., through weight control and avoiding heavy lifting), and providing patients with clear recovery guidelines to support proper healing.

A person may notice a visible bulge or swelling in the abdomen, especially when standing, coughing, or straining. Other common symptoms include discomfort, a feeling of pressure or heaviness, and pain at the hernia site, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest.

Ventral hernias are typically diagnosed through a physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests help determine the hernia's size, location, and whether complications like obstruction or strangulation are present.

Related ICDs

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