ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.5

R87.5

Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from female genital organs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from female genital organs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.5 is used to classify abnormal microbiological findings in specimens obtained from female genital organs, which may include the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. These findings can indicate the presence of infections, abnormal flora, or other pathological conditions that may not be classified elsewhere. Common symptoms associated with these findings include abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, burning sensations, and pelvic pain. Laboratory tests may reveal the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms that deviate from the normal microbiota. Clinicians often utilize this code when the specific organism is not identified or when the findings are nonspecific, necessitating further investigation or treatment. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and treatment of the underlying conditions, as well as for ensuring proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in laboratory findings and interpretation
  • Need for correlation with clinical symptoms
  • Potential overlap with other codes for infections
  • Documentation of the specific specimen type and findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of specimen collected
  • Misinterpretation of laboratory results
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, including symptoms and prior treatments, must be documented to support the diagnosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with pelvic pain and abnormal discharge, requiring microbiological analysis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of co-existing conditions such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may complicate the clinical picture.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the patient's presenting symptoms, vital signs, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pelvic pain or severe vaginal discharge requiring urgent evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and treatment protocols may necessitate expedited documentation to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.5 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the findings are abnormal and not classified elsewhere
  • Documentation must clearly support the diagnosis and the clinical rationale for testing

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87110CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when a culture is performed to identify abnormal microbiological findings.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the specimen source and clinical indications for the culture.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and gynecology may frequently use this code for diagnostic purposes.

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 women's 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 women's health issues.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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

When should R87.5 be used?

R87.5 should be used when there are abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from female genital organs that do not fit into more specific diagnostic categories.