How To Use CPT Code 89346

CPT 89346 describes the storage of oocytes, or egg cells, for a specified period of 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 89346?

CPT 89346 can be used to describe the storage of one or more oocytes for a specified time. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to store the oocytes from a female patient in a specialized facility. The storage is done to preserve the oocytes for future use in achieving pregnancy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89346 is: ‘Storage (per year); oocyte(s).’ This code is used to report the storage of oocytes for a specified period of time.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to store one or more oocytes from a female patient.
2. The oocytes are cryopreserved using a cold protective solution to freeze and store them for future use.
3. The storage takes place in a specialized facility that uses strict temperature monitoring to protect the cryopreserved oocytes from damage.
4. The oocytes are stored for a specified period of time, typically per year.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89346 is used for female patients who require the storage of oocytes for various reasons. This may include patients undergoing cancer therapy or infertility surgery, or those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The storage is performed by a lab analyst in a specialized facility that follows strict temperature monitoring protocols to ensure the preservation of the oocytes.

5. When to use CPT code 89346

CPT code 89346 should be used when a lab analyst performs the storage of oocytes for a specified period of time. This code is used to report the storage of oocytes per year. It is important to note that this code should not be used for the retrieval or fertilization of the oocytes, as those procedures have their own specific codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89346, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s medical record indicating the need for oocyte storage
• Date of the storage procedure
• Duration of storage (per year)
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the storage

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89346, ensure that the storage is performed by a lab analyst in a specialized facility. Report the storage per year. It is important to note that CPT 89346 should not be reported with other codes related to oocyte retrieval or fertilization. Each procedure should be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 89346 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been a few changes to the code since its addition, including a change in the description on January 1, 2005, and a change in the wording of the description on January 1, 2008.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the storage of oocytes for a female patient who is undergoing cancer therapy and wishes to preserve her fertility.
2. A lab analyst storing oocytes for a patient who is undergoing infertility surgery and plans to use the oocytes in the future for in vitro fertilization.
3. A lab analyst cryopreserving oocytes for a patient who is undergoing an IVF cycle and wants to store additional oocytes for future use.
4. A lab analyst storing oocytes for a patient who is freezing her eggs for personal reasons, such as delaying pregnancy.
5. A lab analyst performing the storage of oocytes for a patient who is undergoing gender-affirming procedures and wants to preserve their fertility.
6. A lab analyst cryopreserving oocytes for a patient who is at risk of premature ovarian failure and wants to preserve her fertility.
7. A lab analyst storing oocytes for a patient who is undergoing treatment for a medical condition that may affect her fertility.
8. A lab analyst performing the storage of oocytes for a patient who is undergoing surgery that may impact her reproductive organs.
9. A lab analyst cryopreserving oocytes for a patient who is undergoing chemotherapy and wants to preserve her fertility before starting treatment.
10. A lab analyst storing oocytes for a patient who is undergoing radiation therapy and wants to preserve her fertility.