J98.51 Mediastinitis

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026. Acts as a Major Complication or Comorbidity (MCC) as a secondary diagnosis.

Code first

• underlying condition, if applicable, such as postoperative mediastinitis (T81.-)

Applies from J98 Other respiratory disorders

Excludes1 (never code together)

• newborn apnea (P28.4-)
• newborn sleep apnea (P28.3-)

Excludes2 (not included here)

• apnea NOS (R06.81)
• sleep apnea (G47.3-)

Use additional code

• code to identify:
• exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
• exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
• history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
• occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
• tobacco dependence (F17.-)
• tobacco use (Z72.0)

Applies from J98.5 Diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified

Excludes2 (not included here)

• abscess of mediastinum (J85.3)

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 177-179 in MDC 04.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• 519.2 Mediastinitis

Diagnosis Index entries for J98.51

• Infection, infected, infective (opportunistic) › mediastinum
• Mediastinitis (acute) (chronic)

Nearby codes

• J98.19 Other pulmonary collapse
• J98.2 Interstitial emphysema
• J98.3 Compensatory emphysema
• J98.4 Other disorders of lung
• J98.5 Diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified
• J98.51 Mediastinitis (this code)
• J98.59 Other diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified
• J98.6 Disorders of diaphragm
• J98.8 Other specified respiratory disorders
• J98.9 Respiratory disorder, unspecified