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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.8

R87.8

Other abnormal findings in specimens from female genital organs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormal findings in specimens from female genital organs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R87.8 is used to classify abnormal findings in specimens obtained from female genital organs that do not fall under more specific categories. This may include atypical cells found in Pap smears, abnormal histological findings from biopsies, or unusual results from other laboratory tests related to the female reproductive system. Such findings can indicate a range of conditions, from benign lesions to precancerous changes or malignancies. The clinical context is crucial, as these findings often necessitate further investigation or monitoring. The abnormal results may be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or discharge. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the clinical implications of these findings and their potential impact on patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying conditions
  • Need for correlation with clinical findings
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other codes
  • Variability in documentation quality

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of abnormal finding
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for abnormal findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, including symptoms and previous findings, must be documented to support the diagnosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine gynecological exams revealing abnormal Pap results or biopsy findings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results and clinical correlations are included in the documentation.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the reason for the visit, findings, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pelvic pain and abnormal lab findings.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical, especially in acute settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.8 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the abnormal finding is not classified elsewhere
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and indicate the clinical significance of the findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (Pap smear)

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the procedure, results, and any follow-up recommendations.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the reason for the Pap smear is documented, especially in cases of abnormal 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 granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage female reproductive health issues.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage female reproductive health issues.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage female reproductive health issues.

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 types of findings are classified under R87.8?

R87.8 encompasses a variety of abnormal findings in specimens from female genital organs, including atypical cells, abnormal histological results, and other unspecified abnormalities that do not fit into more specific categories.