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ICD-10 Code J86.9: Pyothorax without fistula

J86.9 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Pyothorax without fistula in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. 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).

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 without 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
  • Abscess of pleura
  • Abscess of thorax
  • Empyema (chest) (lung) (pleura)
  • Fibrinopurulent pleurisy
  • Purulent pleurisy
  • Pyopneumothorax
  • Septic pleurisy
  • Seropurulent pleurisy
  • Suppurative pleurisy

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

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 94642high
AEROSOL INHALATION OF PENTAMIDINE FOR PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA TREATMENT OR PROPHYLAXIS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94728high
AIRWAY RESISTANCE BY OSCILLOMETRY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94450high
BREATHING RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA (HYPOXIA RESPONSE CURVE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94060high
BRONCHODILATION RESPONSIVENESS, SPIROMETRY AS IN 94010, PRE- AND POST-BRONCHODILATOR ADMINISTRATION
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94070high
BRONCHOSPASM PROVOCATION EVALUATION, MULTIPLE SPIROMETRIC DETERMINATIONS AS IN 94010, WITH ADMINISTERED AGENTS (EG, ANTIGEN[S], COLD AIR, METHACHOLINE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94621high
CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING, INCLUDING MEASUREMENTS OF MINUTE VENTILATION, CO2 PRODUCTION, O2 UPTAKE, AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC RECORDINGS
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J86.9

Common synonyms

Pyothorax without fistula

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeJ86.9
SystemICD10
Display namePyothorax without fistula
ChapterDiseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
BlockSuppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Empyema(acute) (chest) (double) (pleura) (supradiaphragmatic) (thorax)Pleurisy(acute) (adhesive) (chronic) (costal) (diaphragmatic) (double) (dry) (fibrinous) (fibrous) (interlobar) (latent) (plastic) (primary) (residual) (sicca) (sterile) (subacute) (unresolved)Pyopneumothorax(infective)Pyothorax

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.

ICD-10 Code J86.9 for Pyothorax without fistula | HealthAssure