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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.615

R87.615

Unsatisfactory cytologic smear of cervix

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.615 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unsatisfactory cytologic smear of cervix.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.615 refers to an unsatisfactory cytologic smear of the cervix, which indicates that the sample collected during a Pap test is inadequate for evaluation. This may occur due to insufficient cellular material, obscuring factors such as blood or inflammation, or technical issues during the collection or processing of the sample. An unsatisfactory result necessitates repeat testing to ensure that any potential cervical pathology, including dysplasia or malignancy, is not overlooked. The clinical significance of this finding lies in the need for follow-up to obtain a satisfactory sample, as well as the potential implications for the patient's cervical health. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the need for repeat testing to patients and to document the reasons for the unsatisfactory result thoroughly to ensure appropriate follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation practices among providers
  • Need for clear communication of follow-up requirements
  • Potential for confusion with other cervical cytology codes
  • Importance of accurate patient history and clinical context

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the reasons for unsatisfactory results
  • Failure to document follow-up plans or repeat testing
  • Misclassification of unsatisfactory results as negative
  • Lack of patient education documentation regarding the need for repeat testing

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the reason for the unsatisfactory smear, patient history, and any follow-up plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting for routine Pap smears who receive unsatisfactory results.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant patient history and risk factors are documented to support the need for repeat testing.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include the context of the smear collection and any immediate follow-up actions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abnormal bleeding or other symptoms requiring urgent evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consider the urgency of follow-up testing and ensure that documentation reflects the acute nature of the visit.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.615 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, R87
  • 615 should be used when a cytologic smear of the cervix is deemed unsatisfactory for evaluation
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that any follow
  • up actions are clearly outlined

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.615 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, scraping

Clinical Scenario

Used when a Pap smear is performed and results are unsatisfactory.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the reason for the smear and any follow-up plans.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of unsatisfactory smear.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of unsatisfactory cytologic smears, improving the ability to track and manage follow-up care for patients. This specificity aids in quality reporting and enhances patient safety by ensuring that unsatisfactory results are not overlooked.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of unsatisfactory cytologic smears, improving the ability to track and manage follow-up care for patients. This specificity aids in quality reporting and enhances patient safety by ensuring that unsatisfactory results are not overlooked.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of unsatisfactory cytologic smears, improving the ability to track and manage follow-up care for patients. This specificity aids in quality reporting and enhances patient safety by ensuring that unsatisfactory results are not overlooked.

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 does an unsatisfactory cytologic smear of the cervix mean?

An unsatisfactory cytologic smear indicates that the sample collected during a Pap test is inadequate for evaluation, necessitating repeat testing to ensure proper cervical health assessment.

How should I document an unsatisfactory smear?

Documentation should include the reason for the unsatisfactory result, any relevant patient history, and a clear plan for follow-up testing.