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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.6

R87.6

Abnormal cytological findings in specimens from female genital organs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal cytological findings in specimens from female genital organs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.6 is used to classify abnormal cytological findings in specimens obtained from female genital organs, which may include the cervix, vagina, and uterus. These findings are typically identified through cytological examinations such as Pap smears or biopsies. Abnormal results may indicate various conditions, including infections, inflammatory processes, precancerous changes, or malignancies. Common cytological abnormalities include atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The clinical significance of these findings necessitates further evaluation, which may include colposcopy, additional cytological testing, or histological examination. Accurate coding of R87.6 is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment planning, as it reflects the need for further diagnostic procedures and potential interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical documentation quality
  • Differentiation between benign and malignant findings
  • Need for correlation with histopathological results
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the clinical rationale for testing
  • Failure to specify the type of cytological abnormality
  • Misclassification of findings as benign when further evaluation is warranted
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the reason for the cytological examination, results, and any follow-up plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening for cervical cancer, evaluation of abnormal bleeding, or follow-up of previous abnormal results.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all abnormal findings are clearly documented and linked to the appropriate diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include the patient's presenting symptoms, the urgency of the cytological examination, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding requiring urgent evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consider the need for expedited follow-up on abnormal findings due to the potential for serious underlying conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.6 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there are documented abnormal cytological findings
  • The code should not be used for normal findings or for findings that are clearly classified under other specific codes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.6 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88142CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (Pap smear)

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing a Pap smear that results in abnormal findings.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the indication for the Pap smear and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis 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 ability to track and manage patient outcomes related to cytological abnormalities.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the ability to track and manage patient outcomes related to cytological abnormalities.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the ability to track and manage patient outcomes related to cytological abnormalities.

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 should I document when coding R87.6?

Document the specific abnormal findings, the reason for the cytological examination, and any follow-up plans or treatments that are indicated based on the results.