How To Use CPT Code 58974

CPT 58974 describes the procedure of intrauterine embryo transfer, which involves placing fertilized eggs in the uterus after they have undergone laboratory culture. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 58974?

CPT 58974 can be used to describe the procedure of intrauterine embryo transfer. This involves the placement of fertilized eggs into the uterus after they have undergone 48 to 72 hours of laboratory culture to allow the cells to develop. The provider carefully inserts a catheter into the uterus, positioning the embryos about 1 to 2 centimeters from the top of the uterine cavity, ensuring they do not touch the sides of the uterus. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 58974 is: ‘Embryo transfer, intrauterine.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position, and the cervix is cleansed.
2. The provider loads all of the embryos for transfer into a catheter.
3. Using ultrasound guidance if necessary, the provider carefully places the embryos about 1 to 2 centimeters from the top of the uterine cavity, ensuring they do not touch the sides of the uterus.
4. The provider slowly withdraws the catheter.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 58974 is performed when the provider needs to transfer fertilized eggs into the uterus. This procedure is typically done as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The patient must meet the necessary criteria for IVF, such as having viable embryos available for transfer and a suitable uterine environment for implantation.

5. When to use CPT code 58974

CPT code 58974 should be used when the provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for IVF treatment and that the procedure is specifically for transferring embryos into the uterus.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 58974, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the patient’s eligibility for IVF treatment
• Details of the embryos being transferred
• Date and time of the procedure
• Use of ultrasound guidance, if applicable
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 58974, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically for intrauterine embryo transfer. It is important to follow the guidelines set by the payer and provide accurate documentation to support the claim. If ultrasound guidance is used during the procedure, report it separately using the appropriate code. It is also important to review any specific billing requirements or modifiers that may be necessary for proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 58974 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoing in vitro fertilization has viable embryos available for transfer. The provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure, placing the embryos into the uterus.
2. After undergoing laboratory culture, the patient’s fertilized eggs are ready for transfer. The provider carefully inserts a catheter into the uterus and positions the embryos about 1 to 2 centimeters from the top of the uterine cavity.
3. A couple undergoing IVF treatment has embryos that have developed in the laboratory. The provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer, ensuring the embryos are placed in the optimal position within the uterus.
4. Following the necessary laboratory culture, the provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure for a patient undergoing IVF. The embryos are carefully placed into the uterus using ultrasound guidance.
5. A patient who has undergone IVF treatment has embryos ready for transfer. The provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer, ensuring the embryos are placed in the appropriate location within the uterus.
6. As part of the IVF process, the provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure for a patient. The embryos are placed into the uterus, following the necessary laboratory culture.
7. A couple undergoing IVF has embryos that have undergone laboratory culture. The provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer, carefully placing the embryos into the uterus for potential implantation.
8. After the necessary laboratory culture, the provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure for a patient undergoing IVF. The embryos are placed into the uterus, following proper technique and positioning.
9. A patient who has undergone IVF treatment has viable embryos available for transfer. The provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer, ensuring the embryos are placed in the optimal location within the uterus.
10. Following the appropriate laboratory culture, the provider performs the intrauterine embryo transfer procedure for a patient undergoing IVF. The embryos are carefully placed into the uterus, following proper technique and positioning.