K56
Non-Billable

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia?

ICD-10-CM K56 is the diagnosis code for Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia. 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.

⛔ Excludes1
â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for K56

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as K56. They are mutually exclusive:

  • congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine (Q41-Q42)
  • cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus (E84.11)
  • ischemic stricture of intestine (K55.1)
  • meconium ileus NOS (P76.0)
  • neonatal intestinal obstructions classifiable to P76.-
  • obstruction of duodenum (K31.5)
  • postprocedural intestinal obstruction (K91.3-)

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in K56. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • stenosis of anus or rectum (K62.4)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

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

Current CodeK56 — Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Sub-Codes 8 entries
K56.0Paralytic ileusBillableK56.1IntussusceptionBillableK56.2VolvulusBillableK56.3Gallstone ileusBillableK56.4Other impaction of intestineNon-BillableK56.41Fecal impactionBillableK56.49Other impaction of intestineBillableK56.5Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)Non-BillableK56.50Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstructionBillableK56.51Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstructionBillableK56.52Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstructionBillableK56.6Other and unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-BillableK56.60Unspecified 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 obstructionBillableK56.7Ileus, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is K56 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

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

What does K56 mean?

K56 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is K56 in?

K56 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?

K56 has 8 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K56.0, K56.1, K56.2, K56.3, K56.4 and more.

When should I use K56?

Use K56 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia" 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 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia?

The ICD-10-CM code for Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia is K56.

Can K56 be used for primary diagnosis?

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

What chapter is K56 in?

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

What conditions are excluded from K56?

Type 1 Excludes for K56 include: congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine (Q41-Q42); cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus (E84.11); ischemic stricture of intestine (K55.1) and more.

Is K56 valid for 2026?

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

See Also

← PreviousK55.9Vascular disorder of intestine, unspecifiedNext →K56.0Paralytic ileus
Code Details
K56
Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
K55-K64 — Other diseases of intestines
2026 ICD-10-CM