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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Order Lab Tests Using V76.2

Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005

Question: I have been using the new V72.31 code for the annual exam and V76.2 for the Pap that goes out to Lab Corp. Has this changed? Are we supposed to use V72.31 for both the annual exam and Pap smear?

Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Under the old rules, code V72.3 (Gynecological examination) always excluded V76.2 (Special screening for malignant neoplasms; cervix). ICD-9 explained this via an "excludes" note under the descriptor for V72.3.
 
As for the change, the same "excludes" note applies. However, the lab cannot submit V72.31 (Routine gynecological examination) for the Pap interpretation, so you have to order the test using V76.2.
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