ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for obstructive appendicitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Appendicitis (pneumococcal) (retrocecal) › obstructive”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding obstructive appendicitis
The ICD-10-CM code for obstructive appendicitis is K36 (Other appendicitis).
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.
It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.
Common questions about obstructive appendicitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for obstructive appendicitis?
- K36 — Other appendicitis.
Is K36 billable?
- Yes. K36 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K36 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K36 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K36 a CC or MCC?
- No. K36 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.