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2025 CPT code 89356

Thawing of cryopreserved oocytes, each aliquot.

Follow CPT guidelines for laboratory and pathology procedures, specifically those related to reproductive medicine. Accurate reporting requires specifying the number of aliquots thawed.

Modifiers 90 (Reference (Outside) Laboratory) and 91 (Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.Other modifiers might be used as indicated by payer policies.

Medical necessity is established by the patient's desire to utilize previously cryopreserved oocytes for reproductive purposes, particularly in situations where fertility is compromised (e.g., cancer treatment, advanced maternal age, infertility).

The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical steps of thawing the cryopreserved oocytes. This includes warming, washing, and incubating the oocytes to prepare them for fertilization. Clinicians order this service, typically in reproductive medicine facilities.

IMPORTANT:If oocytes are cultured after thawing for growth and maturity, consider codes 89250, 89251, or 89272.

In simple words: This lab test involves carefully thawing frozen eggs stored for later use. The eggs are gently warmed and prepared for fertilization to help increase the chances of pregnancy.

This CPT code encompasses the laboratory procedure of thawing each aliquot (sample) of a female patient's cryopreserved oocytes (egg cells).The process may involve warming the aliquots to room temperature to prevent ice crystal damage, washing to remove cryopreservation fluid, and incubation in a nutrient solution at body temperature to prepare the oocytes for fertilization and transfer to the uterus.The procedure aims for gradual thawing to minimize damage. If oocytes undergo further culture post-thawing, other CPT codes (e.g., 89250, 89251, 89272) are applicable.

Example 1: A patient undergoing cancer treatment has her oocytes cryopreserved before chemotherapy. After treatment, the patient wishes to utilize the frozen oocytes for IVF. Code 89356 is used for thawing each aliquot of the patient’s cryopreserved oocytes., A patient with infertility issues undergoes multiple rounds of IVF with oocyte retrieval.Excess mature oocytes are cryopreserved for future attempts.Code 89356 would be used when the patient decides to use the frozen oocytes, requiring thawing of each aliquot., A patient had oocytes cryopreserved years prior. Due to a change in circumstances or improved technologies, the patient wishes to attempt conception using her cryopreserved oocytes.The lab uses code 89356 to bill for the thawing process of each aliquot.

Detailed patient history, including reason for cryopreservation and consent form.Laboratory reports indicating the number of oocytes thawed and their viability post-thawing. Information on the cryopreservation and thawing techniques used.

** The success rate of oocyte thawing is variable and depends on several factors.Careful adherence to proper thawing protocols is crucial for maximizing oocyte viability.

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