ICD-10 Code K46.9 – Unspecified abdominal hernia without obstruction or gangrene (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K46.9 – Unspecified abdominal hernia without obstruction or gangrene
What it is
K46.9 identifies an abdominal hernia when the site is not further specified and there is no obstruction or gangrene. Use it for a hernia diagnosis that is documented, but not described in enough detail for a more specific code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, abdominal hernias present as a visible or palpable bulge, discomfort, or pain that may worsen with coughing, lifting, or straining.
When to use this code
Use K46.9 when the provider documents an abdominal hernia but does not identify the exact type or location. It also fits cases where the record confirms no obstruction and no gangrene. If later documentation specifies the hernia site or complication, choose the more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the hernia is documented as obstructed, gangrenous, or as a specific abdominal wall type with a dedicated code. Check documentation when the record names the exact hernia location.
Coding tip
Code to the highest specificity available, and query for the hernia site or complication when the note only says “abdominal hernia.”