ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Hiatal hernia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hernia, hernial (acquired) (recurrent) › hiatal (esophageal) (sliding)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Hiatal hernia
The ICD-10-CM code for Hiatal hernia is K44.9 (Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K44.9.
Within K44, choose K44.9 (without obstruction or gangrene) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: with obstruction, without gangrene (K44.0) and with gangrene (K44.1).
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 391 (Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders with MCC, relative weight 1.2392) and DRG 392 (Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders without MCC, relative weight 0.7645), 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.
More specific Hiatal hernia codes (official index)
Common questions about Hiatal hernia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Hiatal hernia?
- K44.9 — Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K44.1, K44.0, Q40.1.
What is the ICD-10 code for congenital hiatal hernia?
- Q40.1 — Congenital hiatus hernia.
Is K44.9 billable?
- Yes. K44.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K44.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K44.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K44.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. K44.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.