2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J85Abscess of lung and mediastinum

ICD-10-CM Codes›J00–J99›J85-J86›J85

ICD-10-CM J85
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

J85 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for abscess of lung and mediastinum, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J85.0, J85.1, J85.2, and J85.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
J85
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Abscess of lung and mediastinum
Chapter
J85-J86
Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract

Code Classification

ChapterJ00–J99Diseases of the respiratory system
SectionJ85-J86Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract
CategoryJ85Abscess of lung and mediastinum
This CodeJ85Abscess of lung and mediastinum

Specific Coding for Abscess of lung and mediastinumOverview

Non-specific codes like J85 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use J85.0 for Gangrene and necrosis of lung

  • Use J85.1 for Abscess of lung with pneumonia

  • Use J85.2 for Abscess of lung without pneumonia

  • Use J85.3 for Abscess of mediastinum

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Use Additional Code

Patient EducationClinical

Abscess

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About J85Overview

Is J85 (Abscess of lung and mediastinum) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for abscess of lung and mediastinum, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for abscess of lung and mediastinum need a more specific code from this category, such as J85.0, J85.1, and J85.2.