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2025 CPT code 89258

Cryopreservation of embryos; this code encompasses the process of freezing and storing embryos.

Follow all current CPT coding guidelines for laboratory procedures and reproductive medicine procedures.Appropriate documentation is essential for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service, including modifiers for technical component, professional component, and place of service.

Medical necessity for cryopreservation varies depending on the individual circumstances. For example, it is medically necessary in IVF to preserve excess embryos for future use if the initial embryo transfer is unsuccessful or if the patient wishes to delay pregnancy attempts. In fertility preservation it is used to save reproductive material before potentially damaging medical procedures.

The clinical responsibility lies with the embryologist or laboratory personnel performing the cryopreservation procedure. This includes preparing the embryos for freezing, utilizing cryoprotective agents, and managing the freezing and storage processes to maintain embryo viability.

IMPORTANT:Related codes include 89352 (Thawing of cryopreserved embryo(s)), 89250 (Culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s), less than 4 days), 89251 (Culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s), less than 4 days; with coculture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s)), 89272 (Culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s); extended culture), and 89342 (Storage, (per year); embryo(s)).89398 (Unlisted reproductive medicine laboratory procedure) may be used for procedures not specifically listed.

In simple words: This medical code describes the laboratory procedure of freezing and storing embryos (early-stage babies before they become fetuses) that are leftover after in-vitro fertilization (IVF).This is done so they can be used for future attempts at pregnancy.

This CPT code, 89258, reports the cryopreservation of one or more embryos obtained from a female patient during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.The procedure includes all steps involved in the cryopreservation process, regardless of the embryo developmental stage. It does not encompass thawing of the embryo (CPT 89352), subsequent embryo culture (CPT 89250, 89251, 89272), embryo storage (CPT 89342), or embryo preparation for transfer (CPT 89255).

Example 1: A 35-year-old female undergoes IVF.After egg retrieval and fertilization, multiple embryos develop. The excess embryos are cryopreserved for potential future use., A couple undergoes multiple IVF cycles.Cryopreservation is employed during each cycle to save viable embryos in case of failed implantation in the current cycle., A patient completes cancer treatment and wishes to preserve her fertility. Oocytes are retrieved and cryopreserved prior to undergoing chemotherapy which may damage her reproductive capacity.

Detailed laboratory records including the number of embryos cryopreserved, the cryoprotective agent used, the freezing protocol, and the storage conditions must be meticulously documented. Patient consent forms should also be included in the medical record.

** The number of embryos cryopreserved should be specified in the medical record and may affect reimbursement.Specific payer policies should always be referenced before billing.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

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