ICD-10-CM K44 is the diagnosis code for Diaphragmatic hernia. This code falls under the section "Hernia" 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.
The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as K44. They are mutually exclusive:
Understanding where K44 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, K44 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
K44 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Diaphragmatic hernia". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
K44 is located in Section K40-K46 — "Hernia" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
K44 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K44.0, K44.1, K44.9.
Use K44 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Diaphragmatic hernia" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Diaphragmatic hernia is K44.
No, K44 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
K44 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Type 1 Excludes for K44 include: congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q79.0); congenital hiatus hernia (Q40.1).
Yes, K44 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.