NEW ICD-9 CODES FOR PAPS_091004
 
CMS has announced significant ICD-9 coding changes for diagnostic pap smears that become effective October 1, 2004. After that date, improperly coded claims for pap smears will be denied and the usual 90-day grace period to make the transition has been eliminated.
 
After October 1st, paps smears must be coded with one of the following new codes:
 
795.03 Pap smear of cervix with low grade squamous intraepithelial
lesion
795.03 Pap smear of cervix with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
795.04 Pap smear of cervix with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
795.05 Cervical high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test positive
795.08 Unsatisfactory smear, inadequate sampling
 
The prior ICD-9 code 622.1 for cervical dysplasia will be discontinued. New ICD-9 codes for the tissue diagnosis of cervical dysplasia extended to the 5th digit have not yet been announced.