2025 HCPCS code P3001
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Services - Pap Smears Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Screening Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear), cervical or vaginal, up to three smears, requiring interpretation by physician.
Medically necessary for routine cervical cancer screening in asymptomatic women, or for follow-up in women with a history of abnormal Pap smears.
A technician collects the cell sample under the supervision of a pathologist or physician. The pathologist or physician then interprets the slide, analyzing up to three smears of cervical or vaginal cells for abnormalities.
In simple words: This is a routine Pap smear test to check for cervical cancer or other problems in women who don't have any symptoms.
This code represents a screening Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) performed on cervical or vaginal cells to detect abnormal changes that may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions like infection or inflammation. The procedure involves collecting a sample of cells, preparing up to three smears, and microscopic examination by a physician who interprets the findings. It is intended for screening asymptomatic patients.
Example 1: A 25-year-old woman with no gynecological symptoms undergoes a routine Pap smear during her annual well-woman visit. The sample is collected, and the pathologist interprets the three smears, which show normal findings., A 40-year-old woman presents for a routine check-up, including a Pap smear.Upon microscopic review of the collected smears, the pathologist detects atypical cells, necessitating further investigation., A 30-year-old woman with a history of abnormal Pap smears undergoes a repeat screening Pap smear. Two smears are examined by the physician, who confirms the presence of precancerous changes, requiring appropriate follow-up.
Documentation should include details of the sample collection, the number of smears examined (up to three), and the physician's interpretation report, including any abnormal findings and recommendations for further testing or treatment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Clinic, etc.