ICD-10-CM J86 is the diagnosis code for Pyothorax. This code falls under the section "Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract" within Chapter 10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as J86. They are mutually exclusive:
Understanding where J86 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, J86 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
J86 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Pyothorax". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
J86 is located in Section J85-J86 — "Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract" within Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
J86 has 2 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: J86.0, J86.9.
Use J86 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Pyothorax" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Pyothorax is J86.
No, J86 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
J86 is in Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Type 1 Excludes for J86 include: abscess of lung (J85.-); pyothorax due to tuberculosis (A15.6).
Yes, J86 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.