All Coding Corner Questions
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Posted
Feb 08, 2021
How should I bill for 3-D sonography?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
We do a lot of abdominal paracenteses on patients at our facility. The first paracentesis that is done on the patient we use 49080 and subsequent paracentesis should be coded 49081. The only thing that I'm able to find is in the Coders' Desk Reference concerning the coding of paracentesis. Are you aware of anything out there in the coding world that gives more information concerning this issue?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Do you know if both assisted hatching (89253) and embryo biopsy for PGS/PGD/CCS (89290/89291) can be billed during the same cycle? For example, AH on day three, embryo biopsy on day 5/6 during blast stage. Or, does the embryo biopsy essentially take the place of AH when performed?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Can assisted hatching and embryo biopsy for PGT-A; PGT-M or PGT-SR be billed during the same cycle?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
One of my physicians has a private office with no access to an embryology/andrology lab but does use an outside facility to perform the retrievals and transfers. The facility is not billing insurance for the lab services. Would my physician be able to bill for professional and lab services under his NPI and tax ID if ALL services are being performed at this outside clinic?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Can 89258 be billed under the male partner of a female patient?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Unfortunately, our physician tested positive for COVID-19, so we have another physician that is not associated with our office performing our egg retrievals and embryo transfers. I believe the other office should bill for CPT 58970 or 58974 with mod 26 and we would bill with mod TC along with the other testing our embryologist performs.
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
If a patient comes in only for a blood draw (venipuncture) and is seen only by the lab technician (not an MD, PA, or NP), may we bill for a (minimal) office visit?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
We are getting numerous calls from patients requesting to have lab work drawn from the female patient moved to the males account due to the female fertility coverage being maxed out. The male still has coverage however. We are wondering if there is a way to do this? We had a speaker come in once to teach about fertility and from what I remember she called them out of body lab services and said they were movable. The one questions I have is what would the correct DX code be? Could we use Z31.41?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Is coding/billing any different when a non-board certified or non-REI provider submits for REI procedure? Specifically, could an ob-gyn submit for 58970 the same as an REI? I know with PAs/NPs there are certain modifiers which reflect less receivables for their education
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
What bill form is used of IVF donor egg retrieval?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
My clinic is looking into implementing Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) testing. I understand there is currently no CPT code listed for this testing as it is not considered medically necessary-is that correct? Also, if there is currently no CPT coding, what code would be used? And lastly, if there is no CPT coding then we cannot bill insurance so can we bill patients?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
In coding a donor-egg retrieval to bill to insurance under the male intended parent, would it be appropriate to use the Z31.83? The egg donor is not the gestational carrier in this case.
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
We have recently been contacted by a payer stating we have a patient whose plan will cover long-term storage of her embryos. Is there a diagnosis code that works best for billing 89342 or should it be billed with the diagnosis code indicated on the IVF cycle that created the embryos?
Posted
Apr 08, 2022
Can you provide some information related to ovarian drilling that would assist non-physician administration (coders, billers) understand what the term means and how it may be billed?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Now that ASRM has removed the "experimental" designation from ovarian tissue cryopreservation for postpubertal girls and women, what CPT code should be used instead of 0058T?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Physicians at our practice are placing a stitch and dilating the cervix after egg retrievals for those patients that have cervical stenosis. Would you bill that in addition to the egg retrieval procedure and bill as unlisted? Here is an example of how it is documented. Thank you for your help!
“2-0 Vicryl stitch placed on anterior lip of cervix and cervix dilated with Pratt dilators. Speculum was removed.”
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What are the correct codes for cryopreservation/Vitrification Oocytes/Embryos?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What are the correct codes for the Cryopreservation/Vitrification of Sperm or testicular tissues?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
I’m writing for advice for CPT advice for managing cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy without concurrent intrauterine pregnancy (ICD-10 O00.80). The patient wished to avoid laparoscopy/laparotomy and underwent transcervical balloon therapy which was inflated adjacent to the ectopic (as has been described/published previously) without success. Several days later during the same inpatient admission, she underwent general anesthesia with ultrasound guided installation of potassium chloride and methotrexate directly in to the ectopic pregnancy, which was successful and she was discharged home the following day.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
If the patient is undergoing ultrasound tracking visits for fertility preservation, what I ICD-10 code do you use for the monitoring?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What are the CPT codes and ICD-10 codes for coding a surgical case for a patient with history of Stage B adenocarcinoma of the cervix s/p trachelectomy with cerclage placement taken to the OR for dilation of lower uterine segment under ultrasound guidance with passage of uterine sound and embryo transfer catheter?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
Is there is a separate code for denudation of oocytes? And if denuding oocytes is bundled into another code for either IVF or ICSI, please explain.
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
I was reviewing your Coding Corner information to find a definitive diagnosis for IUI procedures. I am seeking clarification regarding which diagnosis is the most appropriate.
When a patient comes in for an IUI, what is the most appropriate diagnosis code?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
We have a same-sex male couple with insurance coverage for IVF. They are doing a fresh egg donation and transferring to a gestational carrier. Is there a diagnosis code more appropriate than the Z31.83 to bill under the intended parent?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
How important is it to have accurate documentation of the type of infertility diagnosis for IVF procedures? My partners use unexplained infertility (N97.9) for everyone saying it doesn't matter for insurance. I feel it is important to be accurate in coding always but am I just overthinking this? Is there any concerns legally by miscoding the diagnosis or is it more just inaccurate?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
I am hoping you can help. If the doctors do a hysteroscope #58555 in the office with a Endosee Scope, can I still use the same code even though it is in the office?
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
The Z31.41 is or is not the correct code to use for diagnostic testing of an infertile couple? And If so can if be used as the primary and only code?
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
The issue we are experiencing is outside labs billing with Z11.3 are getting denials stating improper ICD-10 for the services billed. Medicare guidelines are being quoted as stating the Z11.3 is not a proper principal diagnosis code. Do you have any suggestions/feedback on an additional/alternate diagnosis code? We are having difficulty finding one that is more appropriate. Thanks so much!
138828 Donor C. Trachomatis/N.Gonorrhoeae; 138930 Donor CMV Total w/Reflex to IgM and IgG; 138699 Donor HBcAb Total; 138749 Donor HBsAg w/Reflex to confirmatory neut. Assay; 138907 Donor HCV Ab; 138931 Donor HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O w/ Reflex to HIV-1 WB; 138780 Donor HTLV-I/II Ab w/Reflex to Immunoblot; 139240 Donor Procleix Ultrio Assay; 139280 Donor Syphillis (T-Pallidum IgG); 139486 Sperm Donor Viromed Panel.
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
What is the code for egg lot acquisition? In other words, the donor match fee or egg procurement. An agency finds her, does physical and mental screening and charges one lump fee.
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
Is there a specific CPT code used for Donor Physical Exams or would a practice just bill using the appropriate E&M Code? We know the FDA requires a significant screening but cannot find any details on the code to bill for this if and when insurance is involved.
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
Is the donor egg retrieval included on the bill to insurance with the first IVF treatment for the recipient? How do you identify the donor egg retrieval on the recipient’s claim?
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
Could you give guidance for the correct ICD-10 code(s) to use when a patient is doing an Anonymous Donor Embryo Transfer cycle?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
I am emailing on behalf of CCRM/Member is Steve Gerson (12077). Is there a specific CPT code used for Donor Physical Exams or would a practice just bill using the appropriate E&M Code? We know the FDA requires a significant screening but cannot find any details on the code to bill for this if and when insurance is involved.
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
How do I code for therapeutic donor insemination for an unmarried female with no known fertility issues except no partner?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
We have a hospital-based embryology lab that is headed by a physician. We are billing for the technical component of 89250 and would like to also bill a professional component of the 89250. We have not been able to support the professional billing of this code (89250). After extensive research, we cannot find anything definitive. It seems to me that there is sufficient physician involvement to generate a professional fee. This code does appear on at least one of our contracted payment schedules, but does not appear on the Medicare physician fee schedule.
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
A same-sex male couple requested half their donor eggs be fertilized with sperm from male #1 and the other half of donor eggs be fertilized with sperm from male #2. How should this be billed? Specifically, in our split donor egg cycle for this same-sex male couple, we performed two separate sperm preps, two fertilization procedures (in this case, one was fertilized by ICSI and the other by IVF). We kept the two sets of embryos in separate dishes to culture and monitor extended culture of their embryos under separate case IDs, then we froze each embryo individually and stored each set of embryos created from each of the partners in separate canes.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Has any progress been made in creating/obtaining a specific CPT code for an elective single embryo transfer (eSET)? This would be most beneficial from a provider and payer perspective.
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Have any new codes been introduced for the lab portion of PGT?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Our clinic is just starting to do PGD. We currently fly in an embryologist to perform the biopsy procedure. Can we bill insurance for the biopsy procedure? Can we bill for travel expenses?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What codes are appropriate for PGS testing?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Can codes 89250 and 89251 be billed on different days of the same cycle? We understand that both codes cannot be billed on the same day of service. However, is it compliant to bill 89250 in addition to 89251 on separate days of service?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
We have received denials from insurance payers when billing CPT code 89251. The denial indicates “experimental in nature, not FDA approved.” I understand that CPT codes are not approved by FDA, but by the AMA. Can you advise with appealing this denial?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
When coding 89250 culture of oocytes/embryo <4 days, should that code be submitted to the insurance company for each of the days or is it only submitted one time over the multiple days of culture? Same question for 89272.
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Our question refers to the CPT code 89258 “Cryopreservation; Embryo(s)” and 89352 “Thawing of Cryopreserved; Embryo”. Our question is when we cryopreserve embryos for a patient on multiple devices (CryoLock, CryoTip, CryoLef, etc. whichever device the laboratory is using), is it appropriate to charge the patient per device using this code? We are using more than one device and also using media with the suggested protocol per device, so we would ideally like to charge for the cryopreservation of embryos per device. This question then also leads into thawing. If a patient requests to have two devices thawed for an FET (frozen embryo transfer) how can we charge per device when thawing embryos?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
We bill embryo storage 89342 for a year's storage. We use the rule of thumb, we only bill one year of storage per specimen, not by cycle. For example, a patient has a retrieval on 11/10/2020 and we billed 89342 for a year of storage and received payment from insurance.
Patient came back for another retrieval on 3/16/21, and storage 89342 was billed for that cycle. Patient now has embryos from two cycles in storage. Should we void the March 2021 storage and bill insurance again for another year of storage for 11/2021?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Is it allowable to bill 89250 for the culture of embryos after thaw for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle? Is there a certain time that the embryos must be in culture? The CPT code says <4 days.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
What CPT code should be used for a “scratch test”? This is essentially an endometrial biopsy in the luteal phase prior to one’s in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle or frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. I am curious if the Coding Committee has any comment on whether or not these procedures are coded as an endometrial biopsy and, if not, how? Cervical dilation?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Our physicians are going to start doing an Endometrial Receptivity Analysis. Do you know the appropriate CPT code that should be used?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
If the patient presents with an inability to conceive and has been elsewhere or previously gone through treatment and the infertility was diagnosed prior as being related to endometriosis, would the N97.x codes come first or would endometriosis be the primary diagnosis for the initial consult? Also, for treatment like IVF would we bill with N97.x first or an endometriosis diagnosis?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
When a laparoscopic excision of endometriosis and an ovarian excision of endometrioma with bilateral ureterolysis is performed, what CPT codes is reported? Can we also bill separately for the bilateral ureterolysis if the ureterolysis was done from pelvic brim to uterine artery and include retroperitoneal fibrosis which endometriosis patients typically have?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
What code are we supposed to use for counseling regarding fertility preservation for an individual with cancer, or for fertility preservation not related to cancer treatment or before a gonadectomy? In addition, after the consult, if a patient chooses to go through an IVF cycle with oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, what diagnosis should be used?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Can our office charge outside monitoring patients a flat fee to be seen? The patients are under the care of another physician, but we are performing an ultrasound and bloodwork. Do we have to bill the insurance if they are coming to our office even though they are not being treated by our doctors?
Posted
Jan 29, 2021
If a patient has decreased ovarian reserve (ICD-10 E28.8) and patient is undergoing follicle tracking to undergo either an IUI cycle or IVF cycle, do code the ultrasounds with E28.8 as the primary diagnosis or Z31.89 or N97.1 as the primary code then E28.8?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What is the code for the cost of frozen embryo transport?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Can patients be charged for each vial/straw of reproductive gametes or tissues thawed?
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
Recently we have received a “re-code” on a new patient (we billed a 99203 and the insurance re-coded it to a 99213). The patient was a new patient, however had seen us for an HSG, ordered by her OB/GYN. The insurance company states we cannot bill an E & M for a new patient since she had already seen us. Our doctor did not do any type of consult/physical or office visit, we strictly performed a procedure ordered by another physician outside of our practice.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
Does ASRM have any guidance for how to bill for genetic counseling services provided by a genetic counselor?
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
I would like to confirm ASRM’s opinion on the best code to use for a gestational carrier cycle. The code I have located is Z31.89 (Encounter for other procreative management), but I would appreciate a second opinion.
Posted
Apr 08, 2022
For an IVF cycle (that is not being billed global to an insurance plan) is it appropriate to bill the charges under one “global” provider like we would for a global plan? For example, if one provider saw the patient initially, set the plan, and ordered the cycle charges. Would we bill this whole cycle under that provider, or bill each line under the specific provider that performed the procedure (ex. the retrieval)?
Usually with other specialties, we would bill under the performing provider, is there an exemption for IVF? Is this like global cases that are billed for OB services?
Posted
Mar 02, 2021
I posted this coding question to the ARM discussion thread last week and didn’t get any responses. I’ve also gone through your old coding posts and cannot find this specific question. Is there someone on your team that could answer this question please? This is what we are currently using and was recommended by the rep: 58340, 77002, Q9967, 74740, 99213-25 77002 commonly is being denied as bundled or incidental and most recently we are having problems with Anthem for the office visit.
Posted
Mar 02, 2021
With the new ICD 10 coding it appears that using a code of "fertility testing" rather than infertility is more likely to be covered for HSG procedures. Is this true and should it be used? "Fertility testing" - N31.41 is the code.
Posted
Mar 02, 2021
As a new practice, we are having trouble finding the appropriate code for HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography -an SIS/SHG that includes the fallopian tubes and air bubbles in the saline via catheter.) Since it is a relatively new procedure, we would love some guidance or maybe feedback from other practices who perform it.
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
How can one code for hysteroscopic transcervical fallopian tube cannulation under laparoscopic guidance? I know the code for the cannulation is 58345. Are there additional codes for the hysteroscopy and the laparoscopy. Are any modifiers required?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What ICD-10 code do you use if a diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed for the preoperative diagnosis of uterine polyp but the postoperative diagnosis is normal uterine cavity?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What is the appropriate ICD-10 code for recurrent implantation failure? The provider performed a diagnostic hysteroscopy for a patient with recurrent implantation failure.
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What CPT is appropriate for a Hysteroscopy Resection of Retained Products of Conception? In the past, I have used the unlisted CPT code 58579, but the claim is always denied for a more specific CPT code. Thank you for your assistance.
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Which ICD-10 code you recommend for IUI same gender couples?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
How to bill for ICSI or embryo biopsies that occur in different days? So if 8 eggs were ICSI fertilized on one day but then the next day 4 more were ICSI’d would we then bill the 89281 code for the second day? Same with PGTA?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
Does ASRM have any examples of evaluation and management documentation for patients being seen for an initial infertility evaluation? I am trying to give examples of how providers can document level 4 or 5 new patient visit when being seen for infertility. Not sure how a provider can get 4 HPI elements, complete ROS and comprehensive physical examination when a patient is seen for infertility. If a 36 year old seen for secondary infertility. Trying to get pregnant for three years with un-protective intercourse. Example: Infertility=location, Secondary=context, and three years=duration, un-protective intercourse=modifying factors. Would complete ROS and comprehensive physical examination be medical necessary for “infertility” for a patient with no preexisting problems? My provider wants to bill the level 4 and 5 visits, but does not want to document time.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
What code is used for a nurse practitioner seeing a fertility patient for the first time?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
I looked at the coding corner site and found the below info which I find helpful. However, I have a question that is not addressed. If the HSG is performed in our office and not at a facility and fluoroscopy is provided, but isn’t necessarily used for needle placement but to see the contrast and dye, 77002 would not be the correct code, would it? For the fluoroscopy piece, would 76496, unlisted fluoroscopic procedure, be more appropriate. The 74740 is for the radiologic supervision and interpretation but not for the fluoroscopic portion on an HSG. Thoughts? Is there another better fluoroscopic code that should be used?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
What code would be appropriate for an initial visit for infertility? Our practice is in a state where there is no mandated coverage for infertility. We are finding that many insurances will not cover if the word “infertility” is used.
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
Do you have any information on how to code for intralipid infusions? Our NP has indicated on the billing slip 36410, 96367, J7050.
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Have CPT codes been established for maturation in vitro?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
We are seeing conflicting information about the correct ICD-10 diagnosis code for the CPT 58322, Artificial l Insemination, Intra-uterine.
Most of our coding books recommend N97.0 or N97.8, but we have encountered other literature that suggests the use of the ICD-10 PCS code of 3E0P3LZ or 3E0P7LZ.
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
Our practice would like some guidelines on whether other ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.8) or unspecified ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.9) can be used as the sole diagnosis code for an IUI or an IVF cycle. Are the documentation requirements any different than just N97.9?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
In our office, nurses perform the IUI and credit the ordering physician.
We have the following questions:
- Are there any legal concerns with malpractice in having the nurse perform these services instead of the physician?
- Can we bill an insurance company for an IUI performed by an RN?
- Must the physician be physically present in the office at the time of the IUI in order to bill for the service?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
At our center, the intrauterine inseminations are performed by our nurses. At the time of the insemination our nurse assesses the patient for any symptoms, reviews an instruction sheet that educates the patient about the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation, tells the patient when to come in for the pregnancy test, and reviews any additional physician instructions. In addition to the standard charges for the insemination and sperm prep, can we also bill the evaluation management code 99211 with a modifier (-25)?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
When managing an IUI or IVF cycle for a female same sex couple or a patient that has no exposure to sperm, what ICD 10 diagnosis should be used?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
What is the proper ICD-10 code to use for a patient undergoing artificial insemination purely for sex preselection?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
Does the code for intrauterine insemination (IUI) (58322) include the office visit (E/M) for that day, or is that only for the actual procedure?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Is it appropriate to bill the insurance company for CPT 96360, Under Hydration Infusion when being used in conjunction with IVF retrieval? Or, is this IV fluid part of the reimbursement rate for 58970 follicle puncture? We are a state-registered surgical practice, but we do not bill out facility charges. We submit for all retrieval and IVF lab coding.
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
I am seeking information on IVF insurance billing guidelines. When billing the lab procedures do you use a 1500 claim form only or in combination with the UB92? I am referring to: 58970, 58974, 89280, 89281, 89255, 89352, 89258, and 89253.
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
I am the Practice Manger of a fertility group. We have a clinic and an ambulatory surgery center. When billing a retrieval, we bill out a 58970 and 76948-26 under the physician, we bill the 89261, 89254, 89250, 89280 89272 and 89253, 89258 from our Embryology Lab with the same tax id. Our surgery center additionally bills out the facility charges, billing out 58970 and 76948-TC and is billing out the 80000 codes as well. It appears to me that the 80000 codes should either be billed by the lab with modifier -26 and the surgery center with modifier –TC or billed globally by the embryology lab. I am correct in assuming that it is duplicate billing for both the ambulatory center and embryology laboratory to bill globally?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Are we allowed to bill professional charges under the physician for the embryologist who performs the IVF laboratory services (ICSI, hatching, cultures)?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
When a patient is scheduled to undergo IVF and the provider schedules the patient for a 30-minute consultation to sign consents and discuss risks associated with in vitro fertilization, ovarian stimulation, and oocyte retrieval, is this visit billable, or should it be included in the global charge for the IVF?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
We are planning to open an IVF lab that is not contracted with insurance companies. The stimulation portion of the IVF cycle will be rendered by the physician’s practice which is contracted with insurance. The retrieval, transfer, embryo culture, etc., will be provided by the IVF lab, those services will be paid by the patient, and the patient will seek reimbursement from her insurance if she has coverage. The same physician that monitors the ovulation induction portion of the cycle will be doing the retrievals and transfers in the lab. Is it appropriate to bill the physician's fees for the retrieval (58970) and transfer (58974) under the IVF lab since that is where the service will be provided? Or should those fees be billed under the physician's practice?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
Is there a list of RVUs for embryology and andrology laboratory procedures, and if so, where can it be found?
Posted
Jan 15, 2021
What is the appropriate code to use for a limited follow-up follicular transvaginal ultrasound? There is no established code for this. Should a 52 modifier be used if all the complete ultrasound measurements are not taken? What about a limited follow up transvaginal ultrasound?
Posted
Apr 08, 2022
One of our clients received information from your website that a repeat limited transvaginal ultrasound should be billed with a limited pelvic ultrasound code (76857). I am wondering if someone could verify that this information is accurate and let us know what that guidance is based upon. The American College of Radiology differentiates the two types of studies in the 2006 Ultrasound Coding User’s Guide. “The pelvic ultrasound using a full bladder as a window to the pelvis and a transvaginal ultrasound using a vaginal probe as a window to the pelvis are separately coded procedures. A common practice is for ultrasound departments to begin with a pelvic ultrasound performed through a full bladder and to supplement the examination with a transvaginal ultrasound. When the transvaginal examination is used as the only technique, use 76830 for the procedure.”
76830 Ultrasound, transvaginal
76856 Ultrasound, pelvic (nonobstetric), real time with image documentation; complete
76857 Ultrasound, pelvic (nonobstetric), real time with image documentation; limited or follow-up (e.g., for follicles)
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
My group was wondering if and how to code for a male partner consultation. We and others we know code only for a new female patient visit but we do see both the male and female, take two histories, do a physical exam on both, and engage them both in education and decision making and well as order labs and a semen analysis. Can and should we be billing each patient as a new visit? If so, would we just bill the appropriate level of complexity?
Posted
Mar 05, 2021
We administer Zoladex and Depo-Lupron in office. This is a nursing visit with injection service. Is CPT code 96402 applicable to a Depo-Lupron or Zoladex injection by nurse at REI practice, even if there is no diagnosis of cancer? If not, would CPT code 96372 be more accurate? Do we code differently if we are providing/supplying the Depo-Lupron or Zoladex and doing the injection, versus if the patient brings in the medication and we inject it for them?
Posted
Mar 05, 2021
I see in the coding corner it is recommended that CPT code 99211 be used for education and teaching for injectable medications. If a patient were to come in strictly for the injection, without any type of direct training, what CPT would be appropriate? We are currently investigating 96372 but figured I should submit to the experts. Also, could the CPT code for the injection itself be billed with 99211 or is 99211 all encompassing? Thank you!!
Posted
Jan 14, 2021
Our group would like to know if others are billing an evaluation and management code for ultrasound and blood draw visits?
Posted
Jan 15, 2021
What is the correct diagnosis code to use on the follicle ultrasound (76857) for a patient who is undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET)?
Posted
Jan 15, 2021
We are considering the use of CPT code 99211 for encounters during cycle management as part of ovulation induction. Nursing staff meets with the patient after ultrasounds are performed and blood work is drawn. Ultrasound results are discussed with the patient at that time. All results are discussed with the physician who is in the office. The nursing staff contacts the patient later in the afternoon after the blood work results are complete. Is this an appropriate use of this E+M code?
Can we submit team-management CPT codes per patient for daily cycle-management conferences that determine ongoing treatment during the cycle? Do those codes require more significant amounts of time spent than the few minutes per patient that are spent?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Is it appropriate to bill for medically indicated, multiple procedures when performing laparoscopies? For example, we occasionally perform fimbrioplasties or large paratubal or ovarian cyst removals (indication infertility) when lasering endometriosis (indication pelvic pain). Can we submit them with the appropriate modifiers (e.g., –51 or –59)? The sites, as well as the indications, are different. There is no requirement by CMS to bundle according to the tables. I do understand that the reimbursements are typically reduced, but that is ok for the purpose of the question.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
How soon can you bill as a new infertility patient? If a patient has not been seen since 2004 for infertility and is now returning for infertility in 2006, would they be considered a new patient? What is the time frame to bill again as a new patient?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
My boss has a few follow up questions about a non-REI board certified MD performing REI procedures. She is thinking about bringing an Ob-Gyn on board to assist. In anyone's experience, is it common for an MD to perform REI procedures if not their specialty? If the billing is the same, is it allowable for the non-REI to submit for REI procedures? I understand the credentials make the CPTs valid but in general, is this allowable? Thank you!
Posted
Feb 09, 2021
How do you code for an office hysteroscopy?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
We are doing in office hysteroscopy now. Do you all have a resource that details what all can be billed, or what all is bundled with the 58558 procedure when done in office? For example, IV start, medications, saline. Regarding IV start, we also had the question as to whether to use 36000 vs 36410 if our Nurse Practitioner is the staff member starting the IV.
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
We are inquiring about a coding question for testicular aspirations. What is the consensus for the code used for testicular percutaneous aspirations done in the office?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
Should one bill oocyte aspiration as a bilateral procedure?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
- Is there is a separate code for denudation of oocytes? and
- If denuding oocytes is bundled into another code for either IVF or ICSI, please explain.
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
Our center performs oocyte preservation procedures for women looking to preserve their fertility. When they come in for their initial consultation or follow-up visits, we bill with diagnosis code Z31.62 (fertility preservation counseling) or sometimes we use Z31.69 (encounter for other counseling and advice on procreation). Recently, BCBS started denying anything that we bill with these two codes because they consider them “routine”. Do you know of any other ICD-10 we can use when the patient comes in for consults/follow ups?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Is there a CPT Code for "Ovarian Drilling"?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Is there a CPT code for Ovariopexy procedure only, via mini-laparotomy?
Posted
Jan 29, 2021
We would like to clarify the correct ICD 10 diagnosis code for monitoring of an IUI cycle. We are currently using Z31.83, encounter for assisted reproductive infertility cycle. The other option being considered is Z31.89, encounter for procreative management.
Posted
Jan 29, 2021
We have a patient insisting that we code the ultrasound follicle monitoring with the PCOS diagnosis. Patient has PCOS, but is now undergoing fertility treatment to get pregnant. My understanding is that if the patient is undergoing treatment to get pregnant we code with either the N97.0 codes or the Z31.89 and the PCOS can be a secondary diagnosis. Is this correct?
Posted
Mar 05, 2021
What is the correct way to bill and receive payment for the patient education sessions performed by registered nurses to individual patients prior to their IVF cycle? We typically spend at least one hour with each patient and partner discussing instructions and protocol for their ovulation induction.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
If a husband has had a vasectomy, does the sterilization code apply to the wife's visits?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
When patients achieve pregnancy, I follow them for 12 weeks prior to referring them to an OB provider. My staff is telling me that I am getting reimbursed for the first sonogram and OB visit (using ICD 10 code for pregnancy of uncertain viability – O36.80X0.
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
What is the most appropriate ICD-10 code for pregnancy of unknown location (not an ectopic pregnancy)? What CPT code would be most appropriate for a manual uterine aspiration for a pregnancy of unknown location?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
What is the best code to use for a pregnancy test (beta HCG) after treatment for infertility by IUI with or without clomiphene or injectable gonadotropins? Is it correct to code this pregnancy check under infertility diagnosis or should it be coded under another diagnosis such as unconfirmed pregnancy or other non-infertility diagnosis?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Our practice does routine ultrasounds (sac check- 76817) at the end of an IVF cycle and bill with a diagnosis code O09.081, pregnancy resulting from ART. Recently, we are receiving insurance denials. No other diagnosis codes can be used, i.e., maternal complications, etc., in most of these cases. The sac check is done routinely before we transfer the patient to their OB/GYN. Do you have any billing tips for the follow-up sac checks?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
I have a question regarding prewashed sperm and billing for this service. It appears there is a premium being placed on prewashed sperm, but I find nothing in the code definitions for sperm washing or even in the clinical guidelines of each insurance carrier that distinguishes this service as covered.
Posted
Mar 11, 2021
In accordance with ASRM practice guidelines, many REs require patients (and their spouses/partners) who are considering using donor gametes to see an infertility counselor first. Assuming the purpose of these consultations is to explore relevant psychosocial issues, rather than to evaluate "suitability" for treatment, how should they be coded by the infertility counselor?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
Our reproductive endocrinologist sees patients for recurrent miscarriages. When he sees the patient for the first visit, is it appropriate to use the diagnosis codes Z31.69 (procreative management) as a primary code and N96 as a secondary code?
Posted
Mar 09, 2021
What are the CPT codes for the Storage of Reproductive Cells/Tissues?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
I have a patient with an adenomyoma of the uterine wall that requires surgical excision and uterine repair. This will be a laparotomy and I don’t see an appropriate code.
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
What CPT code is most appropriate to submit for Physician Time to review CCS/PGS/PGD results? I saw some information online that a preventative medicine E&M code could be used, but not sure how accurate that is.
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
Our physicians do the retrograde semen analysis. What CPT code would you suggest we use?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What is the correct CPT code for laparoscopic tubal anastomosis with robotic assistance? AAPC is stating this procedure is an unlisted code. What is your opinion? Because the operative report must accompany the surgery claim to the insurance carrier, we also believe the third-party payers will agree with the unlisted code as correct coding.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
I saw a patient for consultation who had irregular uterine bleeding. After I evaluated her, I performed an endometrial biopsy. The insurance company denied the consultation and only reimbursed me for the endometrial biopsy. Shouldn’t I have been paid for both?
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
If we have a patient who self-refers to our physician for an initial new patient consultation as opposed to being referred by another physician, how do we code for the consult? Also, when our physician brings the patient back into the office for a follow-up consultation to discuss diagnostic results and treatment recommendations, how do we code? Both of these consultations include approximately one hour of face-to-face time with the physician.
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
My IVF lab does a full semen analysis with strict morphology. I do a formal interpretation of the results mentioning quality parameters and I also give recommendations, such as: repeat semen analysis, obtain cultures, needs endocrine evaluation, needs IUI, and needs IVF/ICSI. Can I bill for my services? If so, under what CPT code? What would the RVU be?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
Can you explain the differences between the semen analysis codes?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
I am seeking clarification of conflicting information we have researched for our practice. Listed below are the two coding corner responses that seem to provide conflicting information regarding CPT code 58323. Our specific question is does 58323 include count and motility analysis? If so, how can that be performed in a lab that does not have CLIA certification? It is my impression that counts can only be performed in a CLIA certified lab.
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
What is the appropriate diagnostic code to use for a semen analysis for the assessment of infertility? Is fertility testing used for males? How about children and adolescence with specific structural problems or testicular failure?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
What is the CPT code for a semen pellet analysis?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
We have a couple who are doing an IUI cycle. The husband is expected to be out of town on the day of the insemination, so we've had him come to our office so we can collect and cryopreserve the specimen. We also have to wash the specimen. I know the CPT codes: 89261 and 89259. What would be the best ICD-10 code to use in this situation?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
What CPT code is applicable for a Semen Leukocyte Analysis or a Reflex Leukocyte Assay?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
We frequently perform Strict Criteria Morphology alone (without semen analysis). What would be the appropriate code for that test?
Posted
Feb 09, 2021
If the answer is “if you perform the injection of contrast for an HSG at a radiology facility, you can report 58340: introduction of saline or contrast.” Should you not also bill 76831-26?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
Is there a CPT code for HALO DNA Fragmentation for sperm? I tried researching and the only code recommended is an unlisted code, CPT 89240. If this is the only code use to report, what CPT code do cross match for pricing?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
What are the codes for sperm washing when performed in the office vs in a CLIA certified lab?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
Is it appropriate to bill sperm washing/prep for IUI to the female or should it be billed to the male?
If so, what if there is not a male patient involved?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
Could we charge for the thaw of sperm, then a handling fee (99000) to represent the fact that the sperm was prewashed or are these services always bundled into 89260/61?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
What semen analysis codes apply to sperm preparation for IUI or IVF?
Posted
Jan 12, 2021
Is there a separate CPT code for sperm viability?
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
When billing a sperm wash, 58323, to an insurance company we are lucky to receive $10-$20 which is just ridiculous. Does the sperm wash code cover the semen analysis and morphology, or can we bill separately under the male for these services? We bill the sperm wash under the female.
Posted
Jan 13, 2021
What would be the best code to use for a sperm wash when it is not a male factor issue? There is a code for male factor in a female patient, but not a code for a female factor in a male patient. My thought would be to use “Male Infertility-other” (N46.8). Can you please confirm?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Several years ago, I took the ASRM coding course, and in that course, coding for bilateral neosalpingostomies was coded using only a dx of N70.11 (hydrosalpinx). Yet, for the office-based care of a patient with say, PCOS and infertility, both diagnoses were required for correct coding. Do you agree with either or both of these coding approaches, which seem inconsistent?
Posted
Mar 08, 2021
Does a physician need to speak directly to a patient to code for a telephone consult (99371-99373) or can a physician give specific instructions to a staff member to relay to patients? Patients can be difficult to contact, and physicians have limited time during the day. For example, if a nurse relays information that a pregnancy test is negative and that the patient should start her BCP on Sunday, would this be appropriate to code as 99371?
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
I came across your site as I was trying to do some research on what diagnosis codes providers should submit to insurance carriers while trying to evaluate fertility issues. If the prescriber is trying to determine if the female has infertility and must run diagnostic tests (IE lab work, HSG, ultrasound, etc...) that the patient has not obtained previously, and the patient does not have a diagnosis of "female infertility" from another OB-GYN, is it appropriate that the doctor use the diagnosis code of "female infertility" without knowing any results of lab work or a HSG to confirm infertility? Rather, should a diagnosis code that states that the patient is being evaluated for fertility issues, be used instead?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
Is there a code for Tompkins Metroplasty? Our physician performed this procedure recently, and we are unable to determine the appropriate code to file our claim.
Posted
Mar 04, 2021
I have a question about a patient who is a transgender male to female. The patient has had sexual reassignment surgery; however, she comes in for medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) and spironolactone medication refills as well as injections of estradiol valerate (Delestrogen). We initially had coded it as Z87.890 and, of course, insurance denied it. The patient disputed the denial because she states that she is legally a female now. An addendum was added stating that the patient suffers from intersexuality, endocrine disorder. At that time, per my coding manager, we changed the coding to F64.0. We are questioning if this is the correct way of the order of diagnoses or if you have any other thoughts on how this should be coded.
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
If a cyst aspiration is completed in office, what codes could be used for this service in a clinic setting? This would be with a local anesthetic only.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Can you advise the proper coding process for a trial transfer? The limited ultrasound code 76857 is the only code that I could come up with for the procedure.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
When a patient becomes pregnant with twins following an IUI or IVF cycle, we have been billing CPT 76817 for the early monitoring ultrasound on the first sac and 76817 -59 for the additional sac examined in the multiple pregnancy, during the same encounter. We have never had a problem getting paid for both ultrasounds done on the same day when the diagnosis is twin pregnancy. Recently, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield has denied payment for the ultrasound done on the second sac stating denial is based on “payment methodology and guidelines” and that 76817 can only be billed once per encounter. The CPT book neither states that the code can or can’t be billed twice per exam. I have read the description of the other pregnancy codes that specifically state they can be used more than once per exam and they involve greater work then we can provide at this early stage of monitoring. Do you have any thoughts and is BCBS correct in denying payment for the second ultrasound exam?
Posted
Mar 03, 2021
When a patient has a cyst from a previous Clomid or gonadotropin cycle, is it appropriate to bill the insurance company for the ultrasound with a N83.x diagnosis if the patient will take that cycle off? There is not a need to put a secondary diagnosis code of N97.x is there?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
During ultrasound for follicle checks, does an image need to be saved to a chart? Are there documentation and image requirements for this type of service?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
Can you please refer me to an unlisted management CPT code for fertility treatment?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
At the meeting, we learned about the CPT code 76705-Ultasound guidance for embryo transfer, can this code be billed with CPT code – 76942. Or is it an either or situation?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Can we use code 76998 for the ultrasound guidance as this patient is being seen in the Surgery Center? Currently we are coding 76705 and have been for years but recently we have been audited by an outside company who is stating that we should be using code 76998. I would just like a detailed description on whether or not this code is valid. As we think it could be more appropriate for this type of service.
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
How would you code for an ultrasound- guided transvaginal-transmyometrial test transfer of embryo catheter?
Posted
Mar 10, 2021
What CPT code would be most appropriate for a manual uterine aspiration for a pregnancy of unknown location?
Posted
Feb 05, 2021
Is there any specific CPT code(s) for uterine sounding? (Referring to cannulating the cervix and “sounding” or measuring the uterine height)
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
We are being told that, as of this year, vitamin D level screening is not being covered by many insurers. We have a very high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in our patient population, with a majority (probably 70-80%) of our patients showing deficiency.
As you know, Vitamin D is important for overall health and has also been associated with reproductive health and miscarriage. If there is a deficiency in the patient’s history or if the level is low, we can use the code of vitamin D deficiency and the cost of the test will be covered by insurance. But insurers are not covering under the diagnosis of health care maintenance or fertility testing.
We strongly believe, and our medical literature supports, that we should be doing the testing. But insurers disagree. The cost of the test is $200. What do you recommend?
Posted
Mar 28, 2022
I am trying to understand better when to use the procreative management code vs the fertility preservation counseling and procedure codes.
Code for the following:
- A single female using donor IUI, or a lesbian couple using donor IUI
- A transgender female coming to bank sperm before transitioning
- A young professional women coming to bank eggs for social reasons
Posted
Mar 23, 2023
I recently was informed that CPT 76857 can be used for a transvaginal ultrasound when done for a follicle check by a fertility practice. I believe that CPTs 76856 and 76857 are for transabdominal ultrasounds and CPT 76830 is used for transvaginal ultrasounds. I also have been told that when the approach is not specified in a CPT code description (as is the case for CPT 76857), it is a transabdominal approach. Can you clarify whether 76830 vs 76857 should be used for a TRANSVAGINAL ultrasound for follicles?
Additionally, do these ultrasounds require the same documentation requirements as all other billable ultrasounds (i.e., a documented “report” with indication, approach, findings, impression, etc., and retained images)?
Posted
Mar 23, 2023
1. How should IVF Cycle Management be coded? Specifically, this is for the care needed for each IVF cycle, to review, discuss the treatment plan and phone calls made to physicians, nurses, and pharmacies.
2. How should IVF Facility Fees be coded? Specifically, for the cost of use of supplies, in office surgical procedures to maintain the surgical facility. This would be for facility costs of the outpatient procedures including IVF retrieval and embryo transfer.
Posted
Mar 23, 2023
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
When is it appropriate to bill Q9967 for an HSG? Typically we bill 58340 and 74740, but someone is requesting that we also bill Q9967, which we have not traditionally used.
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
How you would bill an egg donor’s retrieval to a patient’s insurance?
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
There is currently only one CPT code for the cryopreservation of mature oocytes and embryos. We do not charge an additional fee when freezing a large number of embryos/eggs. It is unfair to patients who only freeze a small number of embryos (or eggs) to pay the same cryopreservation fee as those who freeze a large number of embryos/eggs. Furthermore, our embryologists need to spend more time and cryo-supplies for freezing, and use more tank space for storage.
What you would propose to be the cutoff for the number of eggs /embryos frozen, and what additional cost might be appropriate when a larger number of eggs/embryos are available for freezing (i.e. two separate CPT codes based on the number of eggs/embryos to freeze)? In the past, we have already established cost brackets for ICSI (less than or equal to 10 and greater than 10) and embryo biopsy (less than or equal to 5 and greater than 5).
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
Do you know if nurse practitioners are allowed to perform and bill diagnostic a hysteroscopy? CPT 58555.
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
Would it be appropriate to bill a 99211 when an RN is doing a limited ultrasound and documenting findings during an IUI or IVF treatment cycle for those patients who do have insurance coverage for the treatment side of fertility? The doctor would not be present in the room, but would be reviewing ultrasound findings and lab results that same day.
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
Can I bill CPT codes 89253 and 89254 together? If yes, do I need a modifier on any of the codes?
Posted
Apr 21, 2023
We are planning to open a new fertility clinic and I was wondering about the eligibility to bill insurance companies for “facility fee” for egg retrievals, hysteroscopies, etc. Do these procedures need to occur in an “accredited” ASC to enable billing for facility fees or they can also qualify for “facility fee” even if they are performed in an “office-based surgery center”? Does the ASC need to be CMS- Medicare certified for reimbursement?
