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

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other diseases of intestines

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code K56.5

Code: K56.5 (claims format: K565)
Description: Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)
Short description: Intestinal adhesions with obstruction (postinfection)
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 11. Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
Block: K55-K64 Other diseases of intestines
Parent codes: K56

Billable codes under K56.5

K56.5 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

Notes for K56.5

Applicable to:

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

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

K56 – Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

Excludes1 (not coded here):

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 included here):

stenosis of anus or rectum (K62.4)

Related codes in K56

K56.0 – Paralytic ileusBillable
K56.1 – IntussusceptionBillable
K56.2 – VolvulusBillable
K56.3 – Gallstone ileusBillable
K56.4 – Other impaction of intestineHeader
K56.6 – Other and unspecified intestinal obstructionHeader
K56.7 – Ileus, unspecifiedBillable

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code K56.5?

K56.5 is the ICD-10-CM code for intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection), in the block K55-K64 (Other diseases of intestines).

Is K56.5 a billable code?

No. K56.5 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does K56.5 belong to?

It belongs to category K56 – Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.