ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code K37: Unspecified appendicitis

K37 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Unspecified appendicitis in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents unspecified appendicitis in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
block
K35-K38Diseases of appendix
currentK35-K38

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • unspecified appendicitis with peritonitis (K35.2-, K35.3-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

GastroenterologistGeneral Physician

Coverage-related procedures and services

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
K37

Common synonyms

Unspecified appendicitis

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeK37
SystemICD10
Display nameUnspecified appendicitis
ChapterDiseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
BlockDiseases of appendix

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Appendicitis(pneumococcal) (retrocecal)Perityphlitis
See also
Cecitis

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code K37 for Unspecified appendicitis | HealthAssure