ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

J86Pyothorax

Not billable — use a more specific code

J86 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About J86

J86 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Pyothorax. It belongs to block J85-J86 (suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract) and chapter 10 (diseases of the respiratory system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 2 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J86.0 (with fistula) and J86.9 (without fistula).

Don't report J86 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: abscess of lung (J85.-) and pyothorax due to tuberculosis (A15.6).

Use an additional code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under J86

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code

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

Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J86.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Codes whose notes reference J86

J93Excludes1

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about J86

Is J86 billable?: No. J86 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.