In simple words: This code is used for a visit specifically for a cervical cancer screening using a Pap smear.

Encounter for screening pap smear for malignant neoplasm of cervix. Excludes1: when screening is part of general gynecological examination (Z01.4-) Excludes2: encounter for screening for human papillomavirus (Z11.51)

Example 1: A 45-year-old female patient presents for her routine cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear. She has no symptoms or history of cervical dysplasia., A 25-year-old female with a history of abnormal Pap smears presents for her annual Pap smear as part of her ongoing cervical cancer surveillance. , A 60-year-old female, who had a hysterectomy 10 years ago, presents with concerns about vaginal bleeding and the possibility of vaginal cancer. A vaginal Pap smear is performed.

Documentation should include details of the pelvic examination, the Pap smear collection, patient history relevant to cervical cancer risk, and any previous Pap smear results. If there are any abnormal findings, these must be documented as well.

** This code represents the reason for the encounter, not the diagnosis. A procedure code reflecting the performance of the Pap smear should also be reported.