How To Use CPT Code 89257

CPT 89257 describes the identification of sperm from aspiration of sources other than seminal fluid or semen. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 89257?

CPT 89257 can be used to describe the identification of sperm from aspiration of sources other than seminal fluid or semen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to identify sperm from specimens obtained by aspiration methods such as MESA, PESA, and TESA. The identification is done using microscopy to confirm the presence of sperm in the specimen before further evaluation using separately reportable tests.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89257 is: ‘Sperm identification from aspiration (other than seminal fluid)’. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the identification of sperm from specimens obtained by aspiration methods such as MESA, PESA, and TESA, using microscopy to confirm the presence of sperm in the specimen.

3. Procedure

1. The clinician aspirates a specimen from the vas deferens or epididymis using methods such as MESA, PESA, or TESA.
2. The specimen is sent to the lab for analysis.
3. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to identify sperm in the specimen using microscopy.
4. If sperm are identified, further evaluation using separately reportable tests may be performed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89257 is used when the clinician aspirates a specimen from the vas deferens or epididymis using methods such as MESA, PESA, or TESA, and the lab analyst performs the identification of sperm in the specimen using microscopy. This code is typically used in facilities that specialize in reproductive medicine and infertility treatments.

5. When to use CPT code 89257

CPT code 89257 should be used when a clinician aspirates a specimen from the vas deferens or epididymis using methods such as MESA, PESA, or TESA, and the lab analyst performs the identification of sperm in the specimen using microscopy. This code should not be used for semen analysis, which has its own set of CPT codes (89300-89320).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89257, the documentation should include:

• Details of the aspiration method used (MESA, PESA, TESA)
• Confirmation of the presence of sperm in the specimen through microscopy
• Any further evaluation or tests performed on the specimen

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89257, ensure that the clinician has performed the aspiration of the specimen using methods such as MESA, PESA, or TESA, and the lab analyst has performed the identification of sperm in the specimen using microscopy. This code should not be reported with codes 89300-89320, which are used for semen analysis.

8. Historical information

CPT 89257 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician performs a percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst then identifies the presence of sperm in the specimen using microscopy.
2. A clinician performs a microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst confirms the presence of sperm in the specimen through microscopy.
3. A clinician performs a testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) to obtain a specimen from the testicle. The lab analyst uses microscopy to identify the presence of sperm in the specimen.
4. A clinician performs a percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst confirms the presence of sperm in the specimen using microscopy before further evaluation.
5. A clinician performs a microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst performs the identification of sperm in the specimen using microscopy.
6. A clinician performs a testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) to obtain a specimen from the testicle. The lab analyst confirms the presence of sperm in the specimen through microscopy and proceeds with further evaluation.
7. A clinician performs a percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst identifies the presence of sperm in the specimen using microscopy and reports the findings.
8. A clinician performs a microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst confirms the presence of sperm in the specimen through microscopy and documents the results.
9. A clinician performs a testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) to obtain a specimen from the testicle. The lab analyst performs the identification of sperm in the specimen using microscopy and provides a report.
10. A clinician performs a percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) to obtain a specimen from the epididymis. The lab analyst confirms the presence of sperm in the specimen using microscopy and prepares the specimen for further evaluation.