What does ICD-10 code K43 mean?

ICD-10 code K43 is the standardized code used for ventral hernia in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code K43 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code K43 when recording ventral hernia in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code K43 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code K43: Ventral hernia

Name: ICD-10 Code K43: Ventral hernia
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:15:26.983Z

K43 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Ventral hernia. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. 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 ventral hernia in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

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.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

block

K40-K46Hernia

currentK40-K46

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

GastroenterologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

K40Inguinal hernia K41Femoral hernia K42Umbilical hernia K44Diaphragmatic hernia K45Other abdominal hernia K46Unspecified abdominal hernia

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

K43

Replacement codes

K43.0 — Incisional hernia with obstruction, without gangreneK43.1 — Incisional hernia with gangreneK43.2 — Incisional hernia without obstruction or gangreneK43.3 — Parastomal hernia with obstruction, without gangreneK43.4 — Parastomal hernia with gangreneK43.5 — Parastomal hernia without obstruction or gangreneK43.6 — Other and unspecified ventral hernia with obstruction, without gangreneK43.7 — Other and unspecified ventral hernia with gangreneK43.9 — Ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene

Common synonyms

Ventral hernia

Frequently asked questions

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.