2025 CPT code 89251
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Reproductive Medicine Procedures Feed
Culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s) for less than 4 days with co-culture.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain circumstances. For example, modifier 52 may be used if the service is reduced or discontinued.Refer to current modifier guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity for this code is established by the diagnosis of infertility and the determination that ART, specifically IVF or frozen embryo transfer, is a medically appropriate treatment option.The decision to utilize a co-culture system for embryo culture is based on clinical judgment and laboratory protocols aimed at optimizing embryo development and the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The clinical responsibility for this code typically falls on the embryologist or other qualified laboratory personnel. They perform the technical steps involved in preparing the co-culture environment, maintaining appropriate incubation conditions, and monitoring the development of the oocytes/embryos.The overall management and decision-making for the ART cycle remains with the physician.
In simple words: This procedure involves growing eggs or very early embryos in a special laboratory dish for less than four days.A "co-culture" of other cells is used to help nourish and support the growth of the eggs/embryos.This is often part of fertility treatments like IVF.
This code represents the culturing of oocytes (immature eggs) or embryos for a period less than four days using a co-culture system, as part of an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure. The process involves preparing a specialized environment that includes a co-culture of feeder cells (such as fallopian tube, uterine, or cumulus cells) to supplement the growth of the oocytes/embryos.The environment also includes appropriate media, temperature control, and oxygen concentration.The oocytes or embryos, which may be fresh or previously cryopreserved, are incubated in this environment for less than four days.
Example 1: A 35-year-old woman undergoing IVF has her eggs retrieved and cultured with a co-culture system for three days before embryo transfer., A couple undergoing fertility treatment opts for extended culture of their embryos. After an initial culture with co-culture for three days, the embryos are transferred to an extended culture system., A patient with frozen embryos undergoes a frozen embryo transfer cycle.The embryos are thawed and cultured with a co-culture system for two days before being transferred.
Documentation should include details of the oocyte/embryo culture process, including the type of co-culture used, duration of culture, and any relevant observations regarding embryo development.It should also be linked to the overall ART cycle documentation, including the reason for ART, oocyte retrieval information, and embryo transfer details.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Reproductive Endocrinology, Fertility Specialists
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic