How To Use CPT Code 89272

CPT 89272 describes the extended culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s) for a period of four to seven days. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 89272?

CPT 89272 can be used to describe the extended culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s) for a duration of four to seven days. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to culture one or more oocytes or embryos in a specialized artificial medium. The extended culture allows the oocytes or embryos to reach maturity, making them ready for fertilization and implantation in a female patient during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89272 is: ‘Extended culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s), 4-7 days.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to culture one or more oocytes or embryos for an extended period of four to seven days.
2. The oocytes or embryos are placed in a specialized artificial medium that allows them to grow and mature.
3. During the four to seven days, the lab analyst monitors the development and progress of the oocytes or embryos.
4. At the end of the extended culture period, the oocytes or embryos are ready for fertilization and implantation in a female patient during an IVF cycle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89272 is typically performed in a facility that specializes in reproductive medicine and infertility treatments. It is ordered by clinicians when fresh or cryopreserved oocytes or embryos need to be cultured for an extended period of four to seven days to reach maturity for fertilization and implantation.

5. When to use CPT code 89272

CPT code 89272 should be used when a lab analyst performs the extended culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s) for a duration of four to seven days. If the culture period is less than four days, a different CPT code should be used, such as 89250 for cultures lasting less than four days.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89272, the following documentation should be included:

• Indication for the extended culture of oocyte(s)/embryo(s)
• Duration of the culture period (four to seven days)
• Details of the specialized artificial medium used
• Monitoring and assessment of the development and progress of the oocytes or embryos
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89272, ensure that the service is performed for a duration of four to seven days. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by the payer. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 89272.

8. Historical information

CPT 89272 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the extended culture of oocytes for five days as part of an IVF cycle.
2. The specialized facility culturing embryos for six days to ensure optimal development before fertilization and implantation.
3. A reproductive medicine clinic conducting the extended culture of cryopreserved embryos for seven days to prepare for a future IVF cycle.
4. A lab technician monitoring the growth and maturity of oocytes over a four-day culture period for subsequent fertilization.
5. A fertility center performing the extended culture of embryos for five days to increase the chances of successful implantation.
6. A lab analyst culturing oocytes for six days to allow for optimal maturation before fertilization and transfer.
7. A reproductive specialist overseeing the extended culture of embryos for seven days to ensure their readiness for implantation.
8. A fertility clinic conducting the extended culture of oocytes for four days to enhance the chances of successful fertilization.
9. A lab technician monitoring the development and progress of embryos over a five-day culture period for subsequent transfer.
10. A specialized facility performing the extended culture of cryopreserved oocytes for six days to prepare for a future IVF cycle.