ICD-10 Code K38.1 – Appendicular concretions (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K38.1 – Appendicular concretions
What it is
K38.1 identifies appendicular concretions, meaning hardened material found in the appendix. Use it when the record specifically documents an appendicular concretion rather than another appendiceal disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have abdominal pain or findings related to appendiceal obstruction, but the code itself is based on the documented presence of concretions.
When to use this code
Use K38.1 when the provider documents appendicular concretions, including imaging, operative, or pathology reports that name the condition. Code it only when the concretion is the documented diagnosis, not when appendicitis is merely suspected.
If the chart describes a different appendiceal disease, such as inflammation or rupture, choose the code that matches that diagnosis. Check documentation when the wording is unclear or abbreviated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific abdominal pain, suspected appendicitis, or other appendiceal disorders without documented concretions. If the note does not clearly identify appendicular concretions, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code K38.1 only from explicit provider documentation; do not infer it from an appendectomy or imaging finding alone.