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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR87.629

R87.629

Unspecified abnormal cytological findings in specimens from vagina

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R87.629 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified abnormal cytological findings in specimens from vagina.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R87.629 is used to classify unspecified abnormal cytological findings in specimens obtained from the vagina. This code is typically applied when cytological tests, such as Pap smears, reveal atypical cells that do not fit into more specific categories of abnormal findings. These findings may indicate a range of conditions, including infections, inflammatory processes, or precancerous changes. The lack of specificity in the findings necessitates further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Clinicians may order additional diagnostic tests, such as HPV testing or colposcopy, to clarify the nature of the abnormality. It is crucial for healthcare providers to document the clinical context and any associated symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, to guide further management and ensure accurate coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for additional diagnostic testing to clarify findings
  • Potential overlap with other abnormal findings codes
  • Documentation requirements for specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the nature of the abnormality
  • Misuse of the code when more specific codes are available
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of patient history, symptoms, and any follow-up tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening Pap smears revealing abnormal results, follow-up on previous abnormal findings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant clinical information is included to support the diagnosis and any subsequent procedures.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the reason for the cytological test and any immediate findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge requiring urgent evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are crucial, especially in acute settings where follow-up may be needed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R87.629 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the findings are truly unspecified and that all relevant clinical documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R87.629 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88141CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the procedure performed and the results of the cytological analysis.

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 detailed coding of abnormal findings, but it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for specificity. R87.629 reflects a need for careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of abnormal findings, but it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for specificity. R87.629 reflects a need for careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of abnormal findings, but it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for specificity. R87.629 reflects a need for careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

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 R87.629?

Document the clinical context, any symptoms the patient presents with, the results of the cytological test, and any follow-up actions or tests that are planned or performed.