Is K44 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No. K44 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.

Where does K44 sit in the tabular list?

Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95), in the block Hernia (K40-K46).

What cannot be coded together with K44?

K44 carries an Excludes1 note, which means the conditions it lists can never be coded together with it on the same encounter.

K44

K44 — Diaphragmatic hernia

Non-billable headerICD-10-CM

K44 is a non-billable header ICD-10-CM code for diaphragmatic hernia. It cannot be billed on its own: choose one of the more specific child codes below.

Excludes1 — never code together

These conditions cannot occur together. Billing both on the same encounter is a denial.

congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q79.0)
congenital hiatus hernia (Q40.1)

Includes

Conditions this code covers.

hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
paraesophageal hernia

Other codes that can never be billed with K44

These codes carry an Excludes1 note pointing at K44. The conflict binds both ways, but ICD-10-CM only writes it down on one side — so you would not find this by reading K44 alone.

I96Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

Risk adjustment

K44 does not map to an HCC and does not risk-adjust under CMS-HCC V28. That is normal — most ICD-10 codes do not. It still needs to be coded correctly; it just will not move a RAF score.

Code to one of these instead K44

3 child codes. Green means billable.

Questions about K44

Is K44 a billable ICD-10-CM code?: No. K44 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.
Where does K44 sit in the tabular list?: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95), in the block Hernia (K40-K46).
What cannot be coded together with K44?: K44 carries an Excludes1 note, which means the conditions it lists can never be coded together with it on the same encounter.