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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.611

R87.611

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.611 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cytologic smear of cervix (asc-h).

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.611 refers to a specific finding on a cervical cytology smear indicating the presence of atypical squamous cells that cannot definitively rule out a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). This finding is significant as it suggests a potential precursor to cervical cancer, necessitating further evaluation. ASC-H is a critical category in cervical cancer screening, as it indicates that while the cells are atypical, they may represent a high-grade lesion that requires additional diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy and biopsy. The identification of ASC-H on a cytology report prompts healthcare providers to closely monitor the patient, as early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. The clinical context surrounding ASC-H includes risk factors such as HPV infection, smoking, and immunosuppression, which can contribute to the development of cervical dysplasia. Accurate coding of this finding is essential for appropriate patient management and follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between ASC-H and other cytological findings.
  • Need for correlation with histological findings.
  • Potential for misinterpretation of cytology results.
  • Variability in clinical management based on findings.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of follow-up procedures.
  • Failure to link ASC-H findings to subsequent diagnostic codes.
  • Misclassification of ASC-H as benign findings.
  • Inconsistent reporting of cytology results.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the cytology report, follow-up plans, and any additional diagnostic tests ordered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening in women with abnormal Pap smears.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of patient history, including HPV vaccination status and previous cervical pathology.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include the reason for cytology testing and any immediate interventions taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and referral for follow-up care are crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.611 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by the clinical documentation and that any follow
  • up procedures are accurately coded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.611 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation, screening by automated system

Clinical Scenario

Used for routine cervical screening that may yield ASC-H results.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the cytology report and any follow-up recommendations.

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 cervical cytology findings, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and management tracking for conditions like ASC-H.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical cytology findings, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and management tracking for conditions like ASC-H.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ASC-H mean?

ASC-H stands for atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, indicating that the cells are abnormal and may represent a significant risk for cervical cancer.