K56.6
Non-Billable

Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction?

ICD-10-CM K56.6 is the diagnosis code for Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction. This code falls under the section "Other diseases of intestines" within Chapter 11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for K56.6

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where K56.6 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 2 entries
K56.60Unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-BillableK56.600Partial intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to causeBillableK56.601Complete intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to causeBillableK56.609Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstructionBillableK56.69Other intestinal obstructionNon-BillableK56.690Other partial intestinal obstructionBillableK56.691Other complete intestinal obstructionBillableK56.699Other intestinal obstruction unspecified as to partial versus complete obstructionBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is K56.6 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, K56.6 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does K56.6 mean?

K56.6 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of K56.6?

The parent code of K56.6 is K56 ("Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia"). K56.6 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is K56.6 in?

K56.6 is located in Section K55-K64 — "Other diseases of intestines" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of K56.6?

K56.6 has 2 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K56.60, K56.69.

When should I use K56.6?

Use K56.6 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction?

The ICD-10-CM code for Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction is K56.6.

Can K56.6 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, K56.6 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is K56.6 in?

K56.6 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is K56.6 valid for 2026?

Yes, K56.6 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousK56.52Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstructionNext →K56.60Unspecified intestinal obstruction
Code Details
K56.6
Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
K55-K64 — Other diseases of intestines
2026 ICD-10-CM