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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for cervical Papanicolaou smear examination

Z12.4

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix

✓ Billable / specificNot a principal dxFemale only

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Examination (for) (following) (general) (of) (routine) › cervical Papanicolaou smear”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding cervical Papanicolaou smear examination

The ICD-10-CM code for cervical Papanicolaou smear examination is Z12.4 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z12.4.

Within Z12 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms), Z12.4 is specifically for encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix. Related codes cover neoplasm of stomach (Z12.0), neoplasm of intestinal tract (Z12.1), neoplasm of respiratory organs (Z12.2), neoplasm of breast (Z12.3), neoplasm of prostate (Z12.5), neoplasm of bladder (Z12.6), neoplasm of other genitourinary organs (Z12.7), neoplasm of other sites (Z12.8) and 1 more.

Don't report Z12.4 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: when screening is part of general gynecological examination (Z01.4-).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of Z12.4, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: encounter for screening for human papillomavirus (Z11.51).

More specific cervical Papanicolaou smear examination codes (official index)

  • as part of routine gynecological examination Z01.419 — Encounter for gynecological examination (general) (routine) without abnormal findings
  • with abnormal findings Z01.411 — Encounter for gynecological examination (general) (routine) with abnormal findings

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for Z12.4)

  • when screening is part of general gynecological examination (Z01.4-)

Common questions about cervical Papanicolaou smear examination ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for cervical Papanicolaou smear examination?

Z12.4 — Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z01.419, Z01.411.

Is Z12.4 billable?

Yes. Z12.4 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can Z12.4 be used as a principal diagnosis?

No. It is not acceptable as the principal diagnosis for an inpatient stay; it may be reported as a secondary diagnosis.

Is Z12.4 a CC or MCC?

No. Z12.4 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.