ICD-10-CM Code for Cervical Cancer Screening
The ICD-10-CM code for a routine cervical cancer screening encounter is Z12.4. 1
When to Use Z12.4
Z12.4 is the appropriate code for asymptomatic women presenting specifically for routine preventive cervical cancer screening, including Pap tests, HPV testing, or co-testing. 1
This code should only be used for women without symptoms who are coming in for their scheduled screening visit. 1
When NOT to Use Z12.4
Do not use Z12.4 in the following situations:
Women presenting with symptoms (bleeding, discharge, pain) - use the code for the presenting symptom instead. 1
Follow-up visits for previously abnormal results - use the appropriate code for the abnormal finding rather than the screening code. 1
Women with a history of abnormal findings requiring intensive surveillance - use Z87.410 instead. 1
Women who have had total hysterectomy with cervix removal for benign disease - these patients should not receive screening, so Z12.4 is not appropriate. 1
Alternative Codes for Specific Situations
Z11.51: Use when HPV testing is the primary focus of the visit. 1
Z87.410: Use for women with a history of abnormal findings who require more intensive surveillance rather than routine screening. 1
Z77.9: Use for women with DES exposure requiring continued screening. 1
Key Clinical Context
The screening code Z12.4 applies to women undergoing routine screening according to current guidelines, which recommend cytology every 3 years for ages 21-29, and primary HPV testing every 5 years (preferred) or co-testing every 5 years for ages 30-65. 2