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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.61

R87.61

Abnormal cytological findings in specimens from cervix uteri

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.61 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal cytological findings in specimens from cervix uteri.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.61 refers to abnormal cytological findings in specimens obtained from the cervix uteri, typically identified through Pap smears or cervical biopsies. These findings may indicate the presence of atypical squamous cells, glandular cells, or other cellular abnormalities that could suggest precancerous changes or malignancy. Common causes of abnormal cytological findings include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, inflammation, and other benign conditions. The diagnostic approach often involves follow-up testing, such as HPV testing, colposcopy, and possibly biopsy to determine the nature of the abnormality. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the clinical context, including the patient's history, the type of specimen collected, and the specific findings reported by the pathologist.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in cytological findings interpretation
  • Need for correlation with clinical history
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Documentation of follow-up procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to link abnormal findings to follow-up procedures
  • Misinterpretation of cytological results
  • Inconsistent coding of related HPV diagnoses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Complete patient history, including previous Pap results and HPV status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening results showing abnormal findings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure follow-up plans are documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes detailing the patient's presenting symptoms and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain.

Billing Considerations

Document any urgent interventions or referrals made.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.61 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of abnormal cytological findings from cervical specimens

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.61 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing a Pap smear with abnormal findings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of specimen and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of abnormal cytological findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented to support the use of R87.61?

Documentation should include the type of cytological findings, any relevant patient history, follow-up plans, and results of any additional tests performed.