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Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Pelvic Exam Without Pap Smear

Published on Mon Oct 01, 2001

Question: A Medicare patient who recently had a Pap was seen in our office because of vaginal discharge. The physician performed a pelvic exam and took some cultures but didnt repeat the Pap smear. How should I code this?

Arizona Subscriber  
Answer: You should assign the E/M code that most accurately describes the level of service, 99212-99215, office or other outpatient visit, established patient. Also report 99000 (handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physicians office to a laboratory).
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