J86 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for pyothorax, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J86.0 and J86.9.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for PyothoraxOverview
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Use Additional Code
Type 1 Excludes
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
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.
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