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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.621

R87.621

Atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cytologic smear of vagina (ASC-H)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.621 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cytologic smear of vagina (asc-h).

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.621 refers to the presence of atypical squamous cells on a cytologic smear of the vagina that cannot definitively exclude the possibility of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). This finding is significant as it indicates a potential precursor to cervical cancer, necessitating further evaluation. ASC-H is a category used in the Bethesda System for reporting cervical cytology results, highlighting the need for careful follow-up. Patients may present with no symptoms, or they may have abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or discomfort. The abnormal cells are typically identified during routine Pap smears, and their presence warrants further diagnostic procedures such as colposcopy and biopsy to determine the presence of HSIL or invasive cancer. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of cytology terminology and classifications.
  • Involves knowledge of follow-up procedures and their coding.
  • Differentiation from other atypical cell findings is necessary.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the findings and follow-up plans.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of follow-up procedures.
  • Misinterpretation of cytology results leading to incorrect coding.
  • Failure to link diagnosis with appropriate procedures.
  • Inconsistent terminology in medical records.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the results of the cytology report, any symptoms, and follow-up plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening in asymptomatic patients or evaluation of abnormal bleeding.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all findings are clearly documented to support the diagnosis and any subsequent procedures.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include the patient's presenting symptoms, cytology findings, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute vaginal bleeding or pain.

Billing Considerations

Emergency settings may require rapid assessment and documentation of findings to ensure appropriate follow-up.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.621 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by the clinical documentation and that any related procedures are accurately coded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.621 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 that results in ASC-H.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of specimen collected and the results of the cytology.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of ASC-H.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of atypical cytological findings, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of atypical cytological findings, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ASC-H mean?

ASC-H stands for atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, indicating that further evaluation is necessary to rule out HSIL.