ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for epigastric hernia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hernia, hernial (acquired) (recurrent) › epigastric”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding epigastric hernia
The ICD-10-CM code for epigastric hernia is K43.9 (Ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene).
Within K43, choose K43.9 (without obstruction or gangrene) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: incisional hernia with obstruction, without gangrene (K43.0), incisional hernia with gangrene (K43.1), incisional hernia without obstruction or gangrene (K43.2), Parastomal hernia with obstruction, without gangrene (K43.3), Parastomal hernia with gangrene (K43.4), Parastomal hernia without obstruction or gangrene (K43.5), other and unspecified ventral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene (K43.6) and other and unspecified ventral hernia with gangrene (K43.7).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 393 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5881), DRG 394 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9228) and DRG 395 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6382), in MDC 06 (Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about epigastric hernia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for epigastric hernia?
- K43.9 — Ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene.
Is K43.9 billable?
- Yes. K43.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K43.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K43.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K43.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. K43.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.