What does ICD-10 code J85 mean?

ICD-10 code J85 is the standardized code used for abscess of lung and mediastinum in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code J85 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code J85 when recording abscess of lung and mediastinum in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code J85 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code J85: Abscess of lung and mediastinum

Name: ICD-10 Code J85: Abscess of lung and mediastinum
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:14:53.108Z

J85 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Abscess of lung and mediastinum. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents abscess of lung and mediastinum in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)

block

J85-J86Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract

currentJ85-J86

Official coding notes

Applicable to

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Use additional code

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

PulmonologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

J86Pyothorax

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

J85

Replacement codes

J85.0 — Gangrene and necrosis of lungJ85.1 — Abscess of lung with pneumoniaJ85.2 — Abscess of lung without pneumoniaJ85.3 — Abscess of mediastinum

Common synonyms

Abscess of lung and mediastinum

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.