You have requested access to member-only content.

Q&A: ICD-9 coding for screening pap

Q: A physician's office collects a pap specimen and sends the specimen to the hospital lab for processing. The physician's office lists ICD-9-CM code V72.31 (general gynecological examination with or without Papanicolaou cervical smear) as the diagnosis for this service. What is the proper diagnosis code for the hospital to use for billing when only processing the specimen?

This is an excerpt from member-only content. Please log in or become a member.

Not a member? Let's fix that!

JustCoding is the continuing education website for coding professionals. Whether you're an inpatient or outpatient coder, a veteran or new to the job, JustCoding will keep your skills sharp, test your coding knowledge, and help you stay abreast of CMS changes.

Register to access the free content available through the JustCoding site or subscribe to a Basic or Platinum membership to access paid content on this site. Click here for more information.

For questions and support, please call customer service: 800-650-6787.