2025 ICD-10-CM code K41.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Hernia - Femoral hernia Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95) Feed
Bilateral femoral hernia with obstruction, but without gangrene.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a symptomatic, obstructing bilateral femoral hernia that requires intervention to prevent complications such as strangulation and gangrene. The documentation should clearly support the diagnosis and the need for treatment.
In simple words: You have a femoral hernia on both sides of your groin that is causing a blockage, but the tissue is still healthy.
A bilateral femoral hernia, a protrusion of tissue through a weak point in the abdominal wall in the femoral canal on both sides of the body, is present with obstruction, meaning the contents of the hernia are trapped and cannot be easily returned to the abdominal cavity, but without gangrene, indicating there is no tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
Example 1: A patient presents with bilateral bulges in the groin area, accompanied by pain, nausea, and vomiting.Examination reveals incarcerated femoral hernias on both sides, without signs of skin discoloration or compromised blood supply., During a routine physical, a patient is found to have reducible femoral hernias on both sides. Several months later, the patient experiences sudden pain and is unable to reduce the hernias. Imaging confirms bilateral femoral hernias with obstruction, but without evidence of gangrene., A patient with a history of bilateral femoral hernias presents with abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits.Examination reveals that the hernias are irreducible, but the overlying skin appears normal.Imaging confirms obstruction of the bowel within the hernia sacs, but no evidence of ischemia or necrosis.
Laterality (bilateral), presence of obstruction, and absence of gangrene must be documented. Imaging reports confirming the diagnosis are crucial. The documentation should also reflect the patient's symptoms, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
- Specialties:General Surgery, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office