2025 ICD-10-CM code K42.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the digestive system - Hernia (K40-K46) Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95) Feed
Umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangrene.
Medical necessity for treatment is dependent upon the severity of the hernia and the presence or absence of complications.Asymptomatic, reducible hernias may be monitored.Surgical repair is often indicated for hernias that are irreducible, incarcerated, strangulated, or causing significant symptoms.
Diagnosis and management of umbilical hernias falls under the purview of general surgeons,and sometimes primary care physicians may initially diagnose the condition.Clinical responsibility includes physical examination, assessment of the hernia's characteristics (size, reducibility, presence of complications), and determining the appropriate course of treatment, which may range from watchful waiting to surgical repair. For pediatric patients, pediatricians may also be involved in the diagnosis and management.
In simple words: This code represents a navel hernia without any blockage or tissue damage.
Umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangrene. This condition involves the protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus (navel).It is not currently obstructed (the protruding tissue is not trapped) and there is no associated gangrene (tissue death due to lack of blood supply).
Example 1: A 45-year-old female presents with a bulge at her belly button that has been present for several months. It is easily pushed back in. She denies any pain, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.Examination confirms a reducible umbilical hernia without any signs of obstruction or gangrene., A 6-month-old infant is noted to have an outward bulge at the umbilicus (belly button). The bulge is soft and can be easily pushed back in.The infant is otherwise healthy.This is diagnosed as an umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangrene, a relatively common finding in infants., A patient with a history of an umbilical hernia presents for a follow-up appointment.The hernia remains reducible and asymptomatic, without signs of obstruction or gangrene. The decision is made to continue monitoring the hernia.
Documentation should include the location (umbilical), size, and reducibility of the hernia.Presence or absence of pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits should be noted.Physical exam findings are essential.
- Specialties:General Surgery, Primary Care, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital