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ICD-10-CM K56.51: Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction

K56.51 is the billable ICD-10-CM code for intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction, in category K56 (Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia) of the Other diseases of intestines section. As a principal diagnosis it groups to MS-DRG 388 Gastrointestinal Obstruction with MCC, MS-DRG 389 Gastrointestinal Obstruction with CC, MS-DRG 390 Gastrointestinal Obstruction without CC/MCC (MDC 06 MDC 06: Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System). It maps to HCC 78 (Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation) in CMS-HCC V28. As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC, excluded with 29 principal diagnoses. 9 LCD billing and coding articles list it as covered.

Compiled from CMS files by the QuickIntell RCM Editorial Team · Data effective · Method: reference methodology · Report a data correction

Data currency: ICD-10-CM code descriptions: FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026); IPPS Table 5 (MS-DRG weights): v44 FY2027 (final rule + CN3) (effective October 1, 2026); ICD-10-CM to HCC mapping: PY2027 initial ICD-10-CM mappings (dates of service 2026) (payment year 2027); Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles: MCD release October 8, 2026 (effective October 4, 2026). Next CMS release: FY2028 code files, effective October 1, 2027 for the ICD-10-CM code descriptions; FY2028 final rule (August 2027), effective October 1, 2027; an April 1 interim grouper update when CMS issues one for the IPPS Table 5 (MS-DRG weights); PY2028 advance notice (February 2027) and the PY2027 midyear final mapping (spring 2027) for the ICD-10-CM to HCC mapping; weekly, every Thursday for the Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles.

Code
K56.51
billable FY2027 ICD-10-CM code
Category
K56 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Chapter
11: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
CC/MCC (MS-DRG v44)
CC
CMS-HCC V28
HCC 78
POA reporting
Required

Tabular list notes for K56.51

The tabular list has no notes on K56.51 itself; the notes below apply from its parent headings.

Inherited from K56 (Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia)

Excludes1 (never coded together)
  • 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 part of this condition, may be coded together)
  • stenosis of anus or rectum (K62.4)

Inherited from K56.5 (Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection))

Inclusion terms
  • Abdominal hernia due to adhesions with obstruction
  • Peritoneal adhesions [bands] with intestinal obstruction (postinfection)

MS-DRG grouping when K56.51 is the principal diagnosis

MS-DRG v44 groups for K56.51 as principal diagnosis
MDCMS-DRGs
06 MDC 06: Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System388389390

The final group also depends on procedures, secondary diagnoses and discharge status; the MS-DRG lookup for K56.51 shows the full grouping logic.

CC/MCC status and inpatient edits

As a secondary diagnosis, K56.51 is a CC under MS-DRG v44, unless the principal diagnosis is one of the 29 codes in its exclusion list. Check K56.51 against a principal diagnosis.

  • Present on admission: a POA indicator is required on inpatient claims.

CMS-HCC V28 risk adjustment

In the PY2027 mapping, K56.51 maps to HCC 78 (Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation). The HCC lookup shows the RAF weight and the hierarchy.

LCD billing and coding articles that list K56.51

9 current Medicare billing and coding articles list K56.51 among the diagnoses that support medical necessity for the services they cover.

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Frequently asked questions

What does ICD-10-CM K56.51 mean?

K56.51 means intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction. It is one of 16 billable codes under K56, paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia.

Which MS-DRG does K56.51 group to?

As the principal diagnosis, K56.51 groups to MS-DRG 388 Gastrointestinal Obstruction with MCC, MS-DRG 389 Gastrointestinal Obstruction with CC, MS-DRG 390 Gastrointestinal Obstruction without CC/MCC (MDC 06 MDC 06: Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System) under MS-DRG v44, before procedures and secondary diagnoses are applied.

Does K56.51 map to an HCC?

Yes: HCC 78, Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation, in the PY2027 CMS-HCC V28 mapping.

Is K56.51 a CC or MCC?

K56.51 is a CC under MS-DRG v44; 29 principal diagnoses exclude it.

Sources

Every figure on this page is taken from the CMS publications below, as released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Projection built 2026-10-10. Verify against the primary file before billing or contracting decisions. The reference methodology explains how each figure is computed from these files.

Disclaimer

The descriptor and notes are reproduced from the FY2027 ICD-10-CM files; MS-DRG, CC/MCC and HCC facts come from the CMS FY2027 and PY2027 tables. Code from the medical record and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines. Not legal, clinical or billing advice.

Found a figure that does not match the CMS file? Report a data correction with the CMS file and the value you expected; the request reaches the editorial team through the contact form.