ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for postoperative abscess
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Abscess (connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic) › postoperative (any site)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding postoperative abscess
The ICD-10-CM code for postoperative abscess is T81.49 (Infection following a procedure, other surgical site). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on T81.49.
Within T81.4, choose T81.49 (other surgical site) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified (T81.40), superficial incisional surgical site (T81.41), deep incisional surgical site (T81.42), organ and space surgical site (T81.43) and sepsis following a procedure (T81.44).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
Use an additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).
More specific postoperative abscess codes (official index)
- retroperitoneal K68.11 — Postprocedural retroperitoneal abscess
Common questions about postoperative abscess ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for postoperative abscess?
- T81.49 — Infection following a procedure, other surgical site (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K68.11.
What is the ICD-10 code for retroperitoneal postoperative abscess?
- K68.11 — Postprocedural retroperitoneal abscess.
Is T81.49 billable?
- No. T81.49 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.