ICD-10 Code J85.2 – Abscess of lung without pneumonia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J85.2 – Abscess of lung without pneumonia
What it is
J85.2 identifies a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue that is not coded with pneumonia. Use it when documentation clearly states a lung abscess without accompanying pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Common findings include cough, fever, foul-smelling sputum, chest pain, and sometimes weight loss or fatigue. Imaging may show a cavitary lung lesion; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J85.2 when the provider documents a lung abscess and specifically notes no pneumonia. It fits cases described as a pulmonary abscess, abscess cavity in the lung, or necrotizing infection localized to lung tissue. Confirm that pneumonia is not separately documented as the reason for the abscess.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for lung abscess with pneumonia or for abscesses in other thoracic sites. Check documentation if the record only says cavitary lesion, because that may reflect a different diagnosis.
Coding tip
Verify the provider’s wording: J85.2 depends on explicit documentation that the abscess is in the lung and without pneumonia.