How To Use CPT Code 89344

CPT 89344 describes the storage of testicular or ovarian reproductive tissue for a specified time. 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 89344?

CPT 89344 can be used to describe the storage of testicular or ovarian reproductive tissue for a specified time. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to store male testicular or female ovarian reproductive tissue in a specialized facility. The purpose of this storage is to preserve the tissue for future use in conception and pregnancy. The code is reported per year of storage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89344 is: ‘Storage (per year); reproductive tissue, testicular/ovarian.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to store male testicular or female ovarian reproductive tissue.
2. The tissue is cryopreserved using a cold protective solution to freeze and store it for future use.
3. The storage takes place in a specialized facility that uses strict temperature monitoring to protect the cryopreserved tissue from damage.
4. The tissue is stored for a specified time, typically per year.
5. The stored tissue can be used in procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or for patients undergoing cancer therapy or infertility surgery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89344 is used when there is a need to store testicular or ovarian reproductive tissue for a specified time. This may be necessary for patients undergoing cancer therapy or infertility treatments, those who will undergo a vasectomy, or as part of an IVF cycle. The storage is performed by a lab analyst in a specialized facility that ensures the tissue is protected from damage due to thawing and refreezing.

5. When to use CPT code 89344

CPT code 89344 should be used when there is a need to store testicular or ovarian reproductive tissue for a specified time. It should not be used for cryopreservation procedures, as there are separate codes for that purpose. This code is specific to the storage of the tissue and should be reported per year of storage.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89344, the documentation should include:

• Reason for the storage of testicular or ovarian reproductive tissue
• Duration of storage (per year)
• Details of the specialized facility where the storage takes place
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the storage

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89344, ensure that the storage is performed by a lab analyst in a specialized facility. Report the code per year of storage. It is important to note that CPT 89344 is for storage only and should not be reported for cryopreservation procedures. If cryopreservation is performed, a separate code should be used. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 89344 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 89344 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 performs the storage of testicular reproductive tissue for a patient who will undergo cancer therapy. The tissue is stored for two years.
2. A specialized facility stores ovarian reproductive tissue for a patient undergoing infertility surgery. The tissue is stored for three years.
3. A lab analyst cryopreserves testicular tissue for a patient who will undergo a vasectomy. The tissue is stored for one year.
4. Female reproductive tissue is stored in a specialized facility for a patient undergoing an IVF cycle. The tissue is stored for four years.
5. A lab analyst performs the storage of testicular reproductive tissue for a patient who will undergo infertility treatments. The tissue is stored for five years.
6. Ovarian reproductive tissue is stored in a specialized facility for a patient who will undergo cancer therapy. The tissue is stored for three years.
7. A lab analyst cryopreserves testicular tissue for a patient who will undergo infertility surgery. The tissue is stored for two years.
8. Female reproductive tissue is stored in a specialized facility for a patient undergoing a vasectomy. The tissue is stored for one year.
9. A lab analyst performs the storage of testicular reproductive tissue for a patient undergoing an IVF cycle. The tissue is stored for four years.
10. Ovarian reproductive tissue is stored in a specialized facility for a patient undergoing infertility treatments. The tissue is stored for five years.