ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code K56.2: Volvulus
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 volvulus 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
K55-K64Other diseases of intestines
category
K56Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
currentK56
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Strangulation of colon or intestine
- Torsion of colon or intestine
- Twist of colon or intestine
Excludes2 (may code together if documented)
- volvulus of duodenum (K31.5)
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
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 44388high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44401high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) (INCLUDES PRE-AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44389high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44391high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH CONTROL OF BLEEDING, ANY METHOD
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44402high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH ENDOSCOPIC STENT PLACEMENT (INCLUDING PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44390high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH REMOVAL OF FOREIGN BODY(S)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 235811005high
Cecal volvulus
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 442483004high
Entrapment of intestine by sclerotic peritoneum
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 442484005high
Entrapment of intestine in fracture
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 442692008high
Entrapment of intestine in pelvic fracture
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 442316003high
Entrapment of intestine in peritoneal defect
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 442715002high
Entrapment of intestine in spinal fracture
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
K56.2
Common synonyms
Volvulus
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.