ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

K44Diaphragmatic hernia

Not billable — use a more specific code

K44 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 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 K44

K44 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for diaphragmatic 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 3 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: K44.0 (with obstruction, without gangrene), K44.1 (with gangrene) and K44.9 (without obstruction or gangrene).

Don't report K44 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q79.0) and congenital hiatus hernia (Q40.1).

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 K44

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category

hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
paraesophageal hernia

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code

congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q79.0)
congenital hiatus hernia (Q40.1)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to K44.

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

Codes whose notes reference K44

J98.6Excludes2

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about K44

Is K44 billable?: No. K44 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.