Name of the Condition

• Vaginal High Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Test Positive
• ICD-10 Code: R87.811

Summary

A positive result for a high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test indicates the presence of high-risk HPV types in vaginal tissue. These types of HPV are known to increase the risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer.

Causes

High-risk HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The infection can persist and lead to cellular changes in vaginal, cervical, and other genital tissues that may progress to cancer if untreated.

Risk Factors

• Multiple sexual partners
• Early sexual activity
• Weakened immune system
• Smoking
• Long-term oral contraceptive use
• Other sexually transmitted infections

Symptoms

High-risk HPV infections themselves often do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, persistent infection may lead to:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained pelvic pain

Diagnosis

• HPV DNA testing using vaginal or cervical swabs
• Pap smear to identify cellular changes or dysplasia
• Colposcopy for visual examination of genital tissues

Treatment Options

• Monitoring: Regular Pap smears and HPV testing for early detection of changes.
• Medical procedures: Cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal of precancerous lesions.
• Vaccination: HPV vaccines can prevent infection by certain types of HPV, reducing cancer risk.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

Early detection of high-risk HPV allows for preventive measures and close monitoring, reducing progression to cancer. Routine follow-up and cervical screenings are crucial to manage and potentially clear the infection.

Complications

Untreated high-risk HPV can lead to:

• Cervical cancer
• Other anogenital cancers (e.g., vaginal, vulvar cancers)

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practice safe sex by using condoms.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Consider the HPV vaccine for effective prevention.
• Maintain a healthy immune system with balanced diet and regular exercise.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If experiencing symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain.
• If received a positive HPV test result, follow up with a healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC HPV Information
• American Cancer Society ACS HPV Resource

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the correct code R87.811 for a positive high-risk HPV DNA test.
• Clarify with the provider on the documentation confirming "high-risk" status to ensure accurate coding.
• Avoid common errors such as miscoding for low-risk HPV conditions.