ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code J86.0: Pyothorax with fistula
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. 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 pyothorax with fistula in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
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.
Code hierarchy
chapter
10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
block
J85-J86Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract
category
J86Pyothorax
currentJ86
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Bronchocutaneous fistula
- Bronchopleural fistula
- Hepatopleural fistula
- Mediastinal fistula
- Pleural fistula
- Thoracic fistula
- Any condition classifiable to J86.9 with fistula
Code also
- , if applicable, disruption of internal operation (surgical) wound (T81.32-)
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
PulmonologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 43235high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43270high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) (INCLUDES PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43244high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BAND LIGATION OF ESOPHAGEAL/GASTRIC VARICES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43239high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43255high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH CONTROL OF BLEEDING, ANY METHOD
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43233high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH DILATION OF ESOPHAGUS WITH BALLOON (30 MM DIAMETER OR LARGER) (INCLUDES FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDANCE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 67792002high
Acquired bronchoesophageal fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 270908003high
Acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 233791001high
Bronchial fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 235641005high
Broncho-oesophageal fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 233792008high
Bronchocutaneous fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 233793003high
Bronchopleural fistula
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J86.0
Common synonyms
Pyothorax with fistula
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.