In simple words: This code describes a type of hernia where part of your stomach or intestines pushes up through a hole in your diaphragm (the muscle separating your chest and belly). This hernia is causing a blockage, but the affected tissue is not dead.

This ICD-10-CM code classifies a diaphragmatic hernia, a condition where a portion of the stomach or other abdominal organs protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.This specific code, K44.0, indicates the presence of an obstruction but the absence of gangrene (tissue death).

Example 1: A 60-year-old patient presents with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Imaging studies reveal a diaphragmatic hernia with complete obstruction of the stomach.The patient undergoes emergency surgery to repair the hernia and relieve the obstruction., A 75-year-old patient experiences intermittent episodes of heartburn and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).A barium swallow study shows a small hiatus hernia (a type of diaphragmatic hernia).The patient is managed conservatively with lifestyle modifications and medication., A 45-year-old patient with a history of trauma sustains a diaphragmatic rupture resulting in a large diaphragmatic hernia with bowel obstruction.Surgical repair is performed to reconstruct the diaphragm and reduce the herniated organs.

Complete history and physical examination documenting symptoms (abdominal pain, dyspnea, vomiting, dysphagia).Imaging studies such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or barium swallow to confirm diagnosis and demonstrate the presence and extent of hernia and obstruction. Operative reports if surgery is performed.

** This code is used to classify a specific type of diaphragmatic hernia that involves obstruction but not gangrene.The absence of gangrene is a key differentiator in selecting this code over others in the K40-K46 range.Further coding may be necessary to describe any associated comorbidities or complications.