ICD-10 Code K56.4 – Other impaction of intestine (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K56.4 – Other impaction of intestine
What it is
K56.4 identifies an intestinal impaction, meaning a mass of hardened material is blocking part of the bowel. Use it for impaction other than the more specific fecal impaction code, when documentation supports this diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, reduced bowel movements, and signs of bowel obstruction if the impaction is significant.
When to use this code
Use K56.4 when the provider documents other intestinal impaction and does not specify a different, more precise bowel obstruction or fecal impaction diagnosis. It may apply when imaging, exam, or operative findings confirm impaction in the intestine.
Choose the code based on the documented site and type of impaction. If the record only says constipation, check documentation before assigning K56.4.
Do not use for
Do not use K56.4 for simple constipation, fecal impaction, or unspecified intestinal obstruction unless the record clearly supports intestinal impaction. Check documentation for a more specific diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code the most specific bowel diagnosis documented, and query when the note mentions obstruction without clearly stating impaction.