ICD-10 Code K40 – Inguinal Hernia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K40 – Inguinal hernia
What it is
K40 identifies an inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin area. You use it for hernias involving the inguinal canal, with or without obstruction or gangrene.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a groin bulge, discomfort, or pain that may worsen with coughing, lifting, or straining. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for reducibility, obstruction, or gangrene.
When to use this code
Use K40 when the provider documents an inguinal hernia, including unilateral or bilateral disease. Select the most specific subcode when laterality, recurrence, or obstruction status is documented. If the record is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use K40 for femoral, umbilical, ventral, or other non-inguinal hernias. Do not assign it when the note only describes a groin mass without a confirmed inguinal hernia diagnosis.
Coding tip
Match the code to laterality and complication status exactly as documented, and verify whether the hernia is recurrent or obstructed.