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J86

Non-billable

Pyothorax

J86 is the ICD-10-CM code for Pyothorax. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as J86.0 for billing.

Status
Header (non-billable)
Chapter
J00-J99
Subcodes
2
Edition
FY2026

J00-J99 Diseases of the respiratory system

What this means — in plain language

MedlinePlus · NIH

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue. Bacteria, viruses,…

Read more about Abscess at MedlinePlus ↗
Chest Injuries and Disorders ↗

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.

Excludes1 — not coded here

  • •abscess of lung (J85.-)
  • •pyothorax due to tuberculosis (A15.6)

Use additional code

  • •code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J86?
J86 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Pyothorax". It falls under J00-J99 Diseases of the respiratory system.
Is J86 a billable code?
No — J86 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code (such as J86.0) for billing.
What are the subcodes of J86?
J86 has 2 more specific child codes, including J86.0, J86.9.
What is excluded from J86?
Excludes1 (not coded here): abscess of lung (J85.-); pyothorax due to tuberculosis (A15.6).

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.

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