J85.2

Billable

Abscess of lung without pneumonia

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 283 — Lung Abscess/Gangrene of Lung

0.309

V24HCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess

0.339

ESRDHCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess

0.000

What This Code Means

A collection of pus in the lung without an accompanying pneumonia infection.

Coding Tips

•Distinguish from J85.1 by confirming absence of pneumonia in the documentation
•Document the causative organism if identified through culture or imaging to guide treatment

Clinical Significance

Abscess of lung without pneumonia describes a localized pus collection within the lung parenchyma in the absence of concurrent pneumonia. This can occur from hematogenous seeding, aspiration, or as a late sequela of resolved pneumonia. It requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and possibly drainage, representing significant clinical complexity and resource utilization.

Documentation Requirements

✓Imaging (CT chest) confirming a cavitary lesion with air-fluid level consistent with lung abscess
✓Documentation confirming absence of concurrent pneumonia (clear lung fields surrounding the abscess)
✓Organism identification if available through culture or sampling
✓Treatment plan including antibiotic regimen and drainage considerations
✓Risk factor assessment (aspiration risk, immunocompromised status, dental disease)

Commonly Confused Codes

J85.1 — Abscess of lung with pneumonia should be used when concurrent pneumonia IS documented J85.0 — Gangrene and necrosis of lung implies tissue death, a more severe finding than abscess alone J85.3 — Abscess of mediastinum is infection in the mediastinal space, not the lung parenchyma A06.5 — Amebic lung abscess has a specific code when the organism is Entamoeba histolytica

Code Hierarchy

└J85Abscess of lung and mediastinum └J85.2Abscess of lung without pneumonia

└J85.2Abscess of lung without pneumonia