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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR85.611

R85.611

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R85.611 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cytologic smear of anus (asc-h).

Key Diagnostic Point:

R85.611 refers to the presence of atypical squamous cells in a cytologic smear of the anus, where these cells cannot definitively exclude the possibility of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). This finding is significant as HSIL is a precursor to anal cancer, necessitating further evaluation and management. Patients may present with no symptoms, or they may have symptoms such as anal discomfort, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. The abnormal cytology results typically arise from HPV infection, which is a common cause of anal dysplasia. The diagnosis is often made during routine screening or evaluation of symptoms, and follow-up procedures such as colposcopy or biopsy may be required to confirm the presence of HSIL or malignancy. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between atypical squamous cells and HSIL
  • Need for correlation with clinical findings and history
  • Potential for multiple follow-up procedures
  • Variability in documentation practices among providers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document follow-up procedures
  • Misinterpretation of cytology results
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the patient's history, presenting symptoms, and the rationale for cytology testing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening in high-risk populations, evaluation of anal symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant clinical findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should detail the patient's presenting symptoms and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute anal pain or bleeding.

Billing Considerations

Consider the urgency of follow-up procedures in the emergency setting.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R85.611 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the cytology report indicates ASC
  • H and that it is supported by clinical documentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R85.611 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, scraping, thin-layer preparation

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing a cytology smear that results in ASC-H.

Documentation Requirements

Document the procedure performed, the site, and the findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the cytology report is available for coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of atypical cytology findings, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of potential precursors to cancer.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of atypical cytology findings, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of potential precursors to cancer.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of atypical cytology findings, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of potential precursors to cancer.

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 ASC-H mean?

ASC-H stands for atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, indicating a need for further evaluation due to the potential risk of HSIL.