K56

Non-billable

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

K56 is the ICD-10-CM code for Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as K56.0 for billing.

Status
Header (non-billable)
Chapter
K00-K95
Subcodes
8
Edition
FY2026

K00-K95 Diseases of the digestive system

What this means — in plain language

MedlinePlus · NIH

An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are adhesions , hernias , cancers, and certain medicines. Symptoms include: Severe abdominal pain or cramping Vomiting Bloating Loud bowel sounds Swelling of the abdomen Inability to pass gas Constipation A complete intestinal obstruction is a…

Read more about Intestinal Obstruction at MedlinePlus ↗

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.

Excludes1 — not coded here

  • congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine (Q41-Q42)
  • cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus (E84.11)
  • ischemic stricture of intestine (K55.1)
  • meconium ileus NOS (P76.0)
  • neonatal intestinal obstructions classifiable to P76.-
  • obstruction of duodenum (K31.5)
  • postprocedural intestinal obstruction (K91.3-)

Excludes2 — not included here

  • stenosis of anus or rectum (K62.4)

Medications indicated for this condition

FDA labeling

Drugs whose FDA labeling lists this condition's category among its indications. Informational only — not a treatment recommendation or medical advice.

Conditions mapped to this code

MedlinePlus · NIH

Plain-language health-topic references grounded in MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM).

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code K56?
K56 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia". It falls under K00-K95 Diseases of the digestive system.
Is K56 a billable code?
No — K56 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code (such as K56.0) for billing.
What are the subcodes of K56?
K56 has 8 more specific child codes, including K56.0, K56.1, K56.2.
What is excluded from K56?
Excludes1 (not coded here): congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine (Q41-Q42); cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus (E84.11); ischemic stricture of intestine (K55.1); meconium ileus NOS (P76.0).

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.

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