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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesSuppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tractICD-10-CM j86-pyothorax-pleural-empyema
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Pyothorax: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group J86 includes diagnoses of pyothorax and pleural empyema characterized by purulent fluid in the pleural space, often with associated infection and necrosis of pleural tissues. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document episodes of pleural infection, capture disease severity, organ involvement, and the need for interventions such as drainage or surgery. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM J86 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM J86: Pyothorax Overview

    The ICD-10-CM J86 group represents pyothorax, an accumulation of purulent fluid in the pleural space often associated with severe infection and pleural empyema. These diagnoses target the lower respiratory tract and pleural cavity and indicate suppurative and necrotic processes that require clear clinical documentation. Accurate coding matters for reimbursement because it ensures the severity, treatment complexity, and resource use are properly represented.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when clinical documentation confirms purulent pleural fluid or pleural empyema with associated infection. Select the appropriate code to reflect laterality, presence of fistula, or other specified complications when documented.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    2 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    J86.0Pyothorax with fistula
    J86.9Pyothorax without fistula

    DRG Codes

    5 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    177Respiratory Infections and Inflammations with MCC
    178Respiratory Infections and Inflammations with CC
    179Respiratory Infections and Inflammations without CC/MCC
    791Prematurity with Major Problems
    793Full Term Neonate with Major Problems

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An adult with high fever, pleuritic chest pain and progressive shortness of breath presents to the emergency department after several days of productive cough; chest X‑ray and CT demonstrate a sizable fluid collection with air‑fluid level in the pleural space and ultrasound‑guided thoracentesis yields purulent fluid consistent with empyema (pyothorax). Because this is an acute purulent pleural infection requiring drainage and antibiotics, a code from this group is assigned. Typical codes: J86.0
    • An elderly nursing home resident with advanced dementia develops low‑grade fever and increasing respiratory distress over weeks; imaging shows chronic loculated pleural fluid with thick pleural rind and recurrent purulent drainage despite prior attempts at catheter drainage, representing a subacute to chronic pyothorax. This ongoing suppurative pleural process with persistent symptoms and need for continued management is coded from this group. Typical codes: J86.9
    • A patient hospitalized after thoracic surgery develops new fever, leukocytosis and diminishing breath sounds on one side; diagnostic thoracentesis reveals purulent pleural fluid, indicating a postoperative pleural space infection complicating the hospital course. Because the pleural space infection is a suppurative complication identified during the admission, a code from this group is used in the record. Typical codes: J86.0

    Related Codes

    J85-ABSCESS-OF-LUNG-AND-MEDIASTINUM

    ICD-10-CM Code For Abscess Of Lung And Mediastinum: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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