2015 new CPT Code for REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

Human oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is a technology that allows women to extract, freeze and store their eggs (oocytes) and later when pregnancy is desired, they can thaw, fertilize and transfer them into the woman as embryos.

CPT Code:89337
Code Description: Cryopreservation, mature oocyte(s) For cryopreservation of immature oocyte(s), use 0357T - Cryopreservation; immature oocyte(s)

Lay Description:

Cryopreservation is a technique of freezing and maintaining cells at extremely low temperatures to preserve the genetic and metabolic properties of the cell. The ovarian tissue or immature (germinal vesicle stage) oocyte specimens are first preserved in a cryoprotectant solution to reduce cellular damage and the tissue is placed in storage vials. The sample is gradually frozen in liquid nitrogen. Cryopreserved samples are stored at temperatures of -80 to -196 degrees centigrade. The amount of cells being frozen, the source and amount of protective solution used, and the cooling technique may vary. Cryopreservation of ovarian reproductive tissue is reported with 0058T and immature oocyte(s) with 0357T. Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) enables patients who may be susceptible to losing ovarian function to preserve reproductive potential through the use of long-term storage of oocytes.