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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

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Catch Transformation Zone Distinction

Published on Tue Mar 24, 2009

Question: How should we use the new ICD-9 codes for -satisfactory smear but lacking transformation zone?- Should we report the appropriate cervical or anal code in addition to normal and abnormal test results? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You should only use the new codes you-re asking about -- 795.07 (Satisfactory cervical smear but lacking transformation zone) or 796.77 (Satisfactory anal smear but lacking transformation zone) -- when the smear results are abnormal. Here's how: List the abnormal finding first, such as 795.02 (Papanicolaou smear of cervix with a typical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [ASC-H]). By listing 795.07 second, you alert the physician that the transformation zone was not present in the sample. The code also indicates that you had enough cells to make a diagnosis (you had a satisfactory smear). Code 795.07 provides information that allows the physician to decide if he or she wants to order a [...]
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