Pyothorax (J86) ICD-10-CM
The J86 code range covers pyothorax with 3 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 2 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Use Additional Code
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.
Type 1 Excludes
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.
Codes in the J86 Range 3 codes · 2 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J86 range.
Bronchial Fistula
An abnormal passage or communication between a bronchus and another part of the body.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the GALLBLADDER; generally caused by impairment of BILE flow, GALLSTONES in the BILIARY TRACT, infections, or other diseases.
Empyema
Presence of pus in a hollow organ or body cavity.
Empyema, Pleural
Suppurative inflammation of the pleural space.
Empyema, Subdural
An intracranial or rarely intraspinal suppurative process invading the space between the inner surface of the DURA MATER and the outer surface of the ARACHNOID.
Empyema, Tuberculous
Empyema due to MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that produces TUBERCULOSIS in humans, other primates, CATTLE; DOGS; and some other animals which have contact with humans. Growth tends to be in serpentine, cordlike masses in which the bacilli show a parallel orientation.
Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Abnormal passage between the ESOPHAGUS and the TRACHEA, acquired or congenital, often associated with ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA.
About the J86 Code Range
ICD-10 code J86 is used to classify pyothorax, an infection that causes pus to build up in the pleural space of the chest. This section includes codes distinguishing between pyothorax cases with and without fistulas, which are abnormal connections between organs or vessels.
The general code J86 covers pyothorax, while J86.0 specifies pyothorax with fistula, involving conditions such as bronchopleural fistula or tracheoesophageal fistula. These represent abnormal channels that may form between the lung and other structures, complicating the infection. Conditions such as congenital or acquired esophageal and tracheal fistulas fall under J86.0, helping coders identify infections with these abnormal anatomical communications.
J86.9 is used for pyothorax cases without fistula, often called empyema or septic pleurisy, where localized pus accumulates in the pleural cavity. Synonyms like pleural empyema, bacterial pleurisy, or loculated empyema correspond to this code, aiding professionals in correctly coding infections without fistulous tracts. Understanding these subtle differences in the ICD-10 code for pyothorax ensures precise medical documentation and supports effective patient care.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J86 range?
Of the 3 codes in this range, 2 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J86 range classify?
The range classifies pyothorax. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
