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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

K40Inguinal hernia

Not billable — use a more specific code

K40 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About K40

K40 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for inguinal hernia. It belongs to block K40-K46 (hernia) and chapter 11 (diseases of the digestive system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: K40.0 (gangrene), K40.1 (gangrene), K40.2 (gangrene), K40.3 (gangrene), K40.4 (gangrene) and K40.9 (gangrene).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under K40

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category
  • bubonocele
  • direct inguinal hernia
  • double inguinal hernia
  • indirect inguinal hernia
  • inguinal hernia NOS
  • oblique inguinal hernia
  • scrotal hernia

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to K40.

Broader instructions also apply from K40-K46 Hernia and Chapter 11: Diseases of the digestive system.

Codes whose notes reference K40

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about K40

Is K40 billable?

No. K40 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.