K38.9 Disease of appendix, unspecified

The ICD-10-CM code for Disease of appendix, unspecified is K38.9 (FY2026). It is a billable, claim-ready diagnosis code.

Classification

Chapter

11: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

Section

K35-K38: Diseases of appendix (K35-K38)

Category K38

7 codes (6 billable)

FY2026 Status

Stable since FY2024

Also Known As

ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index entries that lead to K38.9:

• Disease, diseased › appendix

U.S. Hospital Utilization

• An estimated 595 U.S. inpatient stays in 2023 included K38.9 among the documented diagnoses.
• 100 stays listed it as the principal diagnosis.

Source: National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2016–2023. National survey-weighted estimates.

Official Coding Guidelines

Chapter 11 reserved for future expansion

11. Chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System (K00-K95) Reserved for future guideline expansion

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

• CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Code Set and Guidelines, FY2026
• CDC/NCHS — ICD-10-CM Files and Browser Tool
• AHRQ — HCUP National Inpatient Sample, Frequencies by Diagnosis Code (2016–2023)