Fertility & Sterility on Air brings you the highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, with interviews of presenters at PCRS 2024 in Indian Wells, CA! We had a chat with the winners of the PCRS Awards, as well as with authors of other very interesting studies evaluating a wide range of subjects in the field of reproductive medicine: determining the ploidy of abnormally fertilized embryos, predicting whether sperm will be obtained surgically in non-obstructive azoospermia, de novo oocyte creation from stem cells, and trialing needle-free IVF. We also take a deeper dive into the meeting itself with the president and incoming president of PCRS: Tamara Tobias and Alexander Quaas.
Fertility and Sterility On Air
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: April 2024
Topics include: IVF in film, a rat model of fallopian tube torsion, comparing letrozole regimens for PCOS, and a review of chronic endometritis.
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: April 2024
Topics this month include the use of ICSI, fertility treatments among reproductive-aged women after cancer, and more.
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: March 2024
Topics include: melatonin and implantation (4:38), whole-genome screening of embryos, and bioengineering assisted reproductive technology.
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Seminal Article: Dr. Jeremy Applebaum
Listen to this interview featuring Dr. Jeremy Applebaum, who recently published "Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF"ASRM Podcast Family
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ASRM Today
A podcast that takes a deeper dive into current topics in reproductive medicine. And what is in that dive? ASRM Today brings you episodes that explore reproductive medicine through personal interviews and expert discussions, keeping up with the topics that matter.
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Fertility and Sterility On Air
The podcast where you can stay current on the latest global research in the field of Reproductive Medicine. This podcast brings you an overview of the monthly F&S journal, in-depth discussion with authors, and other special features.
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SART Fertility Experts
An educational project of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, this series is designed to provide up-to-date information about a variety of topics related to fertility testing and treatment such as IVF.
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View more on the topic of in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: April 2024
Topics include: IVF in film, a rat model of fallopian tube torsion, comparing letrozole regimens for PCOS, and a review of chronic endometritis. Listen to the Episode
ASRM Files Amicus Brief in Texas Embryo Case
ASRM has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Antoun v Antoun, which is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.
View the Press Release
Survey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release
National Infertility Awareness Week 2024: Leave Your Mark
Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a federally recognized health observance founded to increase awareness of infertility.
View the Press Release
ASRM Today: ASRM Policy Matters: Post-Alabama IVF decision advocacy roundup with Jessie Losch
Jessie Losch, ASRM Government Affairs Manager, updates ASRM Today on the advocacy efforts underway post the Alabama Supreme Court decision. Listen to the Episode
IVF-assisted pregnancies constitute 2.5% of all births in 2022
In 2022, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. This means that 2.5% of births in the US are a result of ART.
View the Press Release
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Seminal Article: Dr. Jeremy Applebaum
Listen to this interview featuring Dr. Jeremy Applebaum, who recently published "Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF" Listen to the Episode
ASRM provides testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee on threats facing IVF
ASRM shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee the dangers to reproductive medicine nearly two years after the Dobbs decision.
View the Press Release
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: March 2024
Topics this month include the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF, the "freeze-all" strategy in women with adenomyosis, and more. Listen to the Episode
ASRM reacts to Alabama legislation
We are pleased that the legislation passed into law by the Alabama General Assembly will at least allow our members in the state to care for their patients.
View the Press Release
IVF at the SOTU: Fertility care expected to be major focus at State of the Union
Protecting access to IVF care is expected to be a major theme of the State of the Union on Thursday.
View the Press Release
ASRM Responds to Proposed Alabama Legislation
We are proud of our Alabama members and their patients, who have been such incredible advocates working to motivate their legislators to protect IVF.
View the Press Release
Senate Budget Hearing is Well Timed Following Alabama IVF Ruling
ASRM statement regarding the Senate Budget Committee’s hearing entitled: No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom.
View the Press Release
ASRM Responds to Senate’s Failure to Pass Access to Family Building Act
We are disappointed by the Senate’s failure to meet the moment and pass federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release
Alabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos are “Unborn Children” and admonishes IVF’s “Wild West” treatment
Legally Speaking™ on presenting facts and reflecting on the impact and potential implications of legal developments in ART. View the Column
ASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama
In LePage v Mobile Infirmary Clinic, the Alabama Supreme Court made a decision that flies in the face of medical reality and the needs of the citizens.
View the Press Release
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: February 2024
Topics this month include the optimial AMH level in oocyte donors, the role of mean number of DNA breakpoints (MDB) in sperm DNA integrity, and more. Listen to the Episode
Prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline (2023)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication associatedwith assisted reproductive technology. View the guideline
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: January 2024
Topics this month include: HCG as a predictor of pregnancy outcome after IVF, progestin ovulation suppression and embryo development, and more. Listen to the Episode
ASRM applauds introduction of Access to Family Building Act of 2024
ASRM is thrilled by the introduction of the Access to Family Building Act
View the Press Release
Billing IVF lab work
We typically bill our IVF Lab work under the rendering provider who performs the VOR. Who should be the supervising provider for embryology billing? View the Answer
Journal Club Global: IVM in Clinical Practice: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
In vitro maturation (IVM) has the potential to make IVF cheaper, safer, and more widely accessible to patients with infertility. View the Video
Comparison of pregnancy rates for poor responders using IVF with mild ovarian stimulation versus conventional IVF: a guideline (2018)
Mild-stimulation protocols with in vitro fertilization (IVF) generally aim to use less medication than conventional IVF. View the Guideline
IVF cycle management and facility fees, an overview
How should IVF Cycle Management be coded? View the Answer
Limited ultrasound performed by RN
Would it be appropriate to bill a 99211 when an RN is doing a limited ultrasound and documenting findings during an IUI or IVF treatment cycle? View the Answer
CPT 89253 and 89254 for Assisted hatching
Can I bill CPT codes 89253 and 89254 together? If yes, do I need a modifier on any of the codes? View the Answer
Journal Club Global - What is the optimal number of oocytes to reach a live-birth following IVF?
The optimal number of oocytes necessary to expect a live birth following in vitro fertilization remains unclear. View the Video
Patient Education
What is the correct way to bill for the patient education sessions performed by registered nurses to individual patients prior to their IVF cycle? View the Answer
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Our practice does routine ultrasounds (sac check- 76817) at the end of an IVF cycle and bill with a diagnosis code O09.081, pregnancy resulting from ART. View the Answer
IUI or IVF
Should other ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.8) or unspecified ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.9) can be used for an IUI or an IVF cycle View the Answer
IVF Case Rates
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates? View the Answer
IVF Consent Counseling
When a patient is scheduled to undergo IVF and the provider schedules the patient for a 30-minute consultation is this visit billable? View the Answer
Ovulation Induction Monitoring for IUI
We would like to clarify the correct ICD 10 diagnosis code for monitoring of an IUI cycle. View the Answer
In Vitro Maturation
Have CPT codes been established for maturation in vitro? View the Answer
IVF Billing Forms
I am seeking information on IVF insurance billing guidelines. View the Answer
IVF Billing Globally
Am I correct in assuming that it is duplicate billing for both the ambulatory center and embryology laboratory to bill globally? View the Answer
IVF Billing of Professional Charges
Are we allowed to bill professional charges under the physician for the embryologist who performs the IVF laboratory services? View the Answer
Lab Case Rates
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates? View the Answer
Oocyte Denudation
Is there is a separate code for denudation of oocytes? View the Answer
IV Fluids During Egg Retrieval
Is it appropriate to bill the insurance company for CPT 96360, Under Hydration Infusion when being used in conjunction with IVF retrieval? View the Answer
Endometrial Biopsy/Scratch
What CPT code should be used for a “scratch test”? View the Answer
Endometriosis and Infertility
For treatment like IVF would we bill with N97.x first or an endometriosis diagnosis? View the Answer
Follicle Monitoring For Diminished Ovarian Reserve
If a patient has decreased ovarian reserve (ICD-10 E28.8) and patient is undergoing follicle tracking to undergo either an IUI cycle or IVF cycle... View the Answer
Global Billing Vs Billing Under Provider
For an IVF cycle (that is not being billed global to an insurance plan) is it appropriate to bill the charges under one “global” provider? View the Answer
Diagnosis of Infertility for IVF Procedure
How important is it to have accurate documentation of the type of infertility diagnosis for IVF procedures? View the Answer
Egg Culture and Fertilization
We are billing for the technical component of 89250 and would like to also bill a professional component of the 89250. View the Answer
Egg Culture and Fertilization: Same Gender
A same-sex male couple requested half their donor eggs be fertilized with sperm from male #1 and the other half fertilized from male #2. View the Answer
Donor Embryos
Could you give guidance for the correct ICD-10 code(s) to use when a patient is doing an Anonymous Donor Embryo Transfer cycle? View the Answer
Journal Club Global: Natural versus Programmed FET Cycles
A significant portion of IVF cycles now utilize frozen embryo transfer.
View the Video
Role of assisted hatching in in vitro fertilization: a guideline (2022)
There is moderate evidence that assisted hatching does not significantly improve live birth rates in fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles View the Committee Opinion
Journal Club Global - Best Practices of High Performing ART Clinics
This Fertility and Sterility Journal Club Global discusses February’s seminal article, “Common practices among consistently high-performing in vitro fertilization programs in the United States: a 10 year update.” View the Video
Guidance on the limits to the number of embryos to transfer: a committee opinion (2021)
ASRM's guidelines for the limits on the number of embryos to be transferred during IVF cycles have been further refined ... View the Committee Opinion
Journal Club Global Live from India - Adjuvants in IVF and IVF Add-Ons for the Endometrium
Many adjuvants have been utilized by IVF centers to improve their success rates. View the Video
Evidence-based outcomes after oocyte cryopreservation for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization and planned oocyte cryopreservation: a guideline (2021)
A review of success rates, factors that may impact success rates, and outcomes. View the Committee Opinion
Development of an emergency plan for in vitro fertilization programs: a committee opinion (2021)
All IVF programs and clinics should have a plan to protect fresh and cryopreserved human specimens (embryos, oocytes, sperm). View the Committee Opinion
In vitro maturation: a committee opinion (2021)
The results of in vitro maturation (IVM) investigations suggest the potential for wider clinical application. View the Committee Opinion
Fertility treatment when the prognosis is very poor or futile: an Ethics Committee opinion (2019)
The Ethics Committee recommends that in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers develop patient-centered policies regarding requests for futile treatment. View the Committee Opinion
Blastocyst culture and transfer in clinically assisted reproduction: a committee opinion (2018)
The purposes of this document is to review the literature regarding the clinical application of blastocyst transfer. View the Committee Opinion
The role of immunotherapy in in vitro fertilization: a guideline (2018)
Adjuvant immunotherapy treatments in in vitro fertilization (IVF) aim to improve the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in both the general ART population as well as subgroups such as patients with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure. View the Committee Opinion
Performing the embryo transfer: a guideline (2017)
A systematic review of the literature was conducted which examined each of the major steps of embryo transfer. Recommendations made for improving pregnancy rates are based on interventions demonstrated to be either beneficial or not beneficial. (Fertil Steril® 2017;107:882–96. ©2017 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) View the Committee Guideline
Financial ‘‘risk-sharing’’ or refund programs in assisted reproduction: an Ethics Committee opinion (2016)
Financial ‘‘risk-sharing’’ fee structures in assisted reproduction programs charge patients a higher initial fee but provide reduced fees for subsequent cycles and often a partial or complete refund if treatment fails. View the Committee Document
Best practices of ASRM and ESHRE: a journey through reproductive medicine (2012)
ASRM and ESHRE are the two largest societies in the world whose members comprise the major experts and professionals working in reproductive medicine. View the Committee Joint Guideline
In Vitro Maturation Special Interest Group (IVMSIG)
IVMSIG strives to define the best strategies to optimize IVM outcomes. Learn more about IVMSIG
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
Advocacy Resources
ASRM has prepared resources to help explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. View the advocacy resourcesTopic Resources
View more on the topic of embryo
ASRM Files Amicus Brief in Texas Embryo Case
ASRM has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Antoun v Antoun, which is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.
View the Press Release
IVF-assisted pregnancies constitute 2.5% of all births in 2022
In 2022, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. This means that 2.5% of births in the US are a result of ART.
View the Press Release
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Unplugged: March 2024
Topics include: melatonin and implantation (4:38), whole-genome screening of embryos, and bioengineering assisted reproductive technology. Listen to the Episode
ASRM provides testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee on threats facing IVF
ASRM shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee the dangers to reproductive medicine nearly two years after the Dobbs decision.
View the Press Release
What's New from the Fertility and Sterility Family of Journals
Here’s a peek at this month’s issues from our family of journals! As an ASRM Member, you can access all of our journals.
Read More about the newest articles
Alabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos are “Unborn Children” and admonishes IVF’s “Wild West” treatment
Legally Speaking™ on presenting facts and reflecting on the impact and potential implications of legal developments in ART. View the Column
What's New from the Fertility and Sterility Family of Journals
Here’s a peek at this month’s issues from our family of journals! As an ASRM Member, you can access all of our journals. Not yet a member? Click here(no link) to learn more. Find More
Shipping of frozen embryos
I have some infertility coverage, under which my insurance said they will cover frozen embryo shipping/transport from one facility to another. View the Answer
Clinical management of mosaic results from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy of blastocysts: a committee opinion (2023)
This document incorporates studies about mosaic embryo transfer and provides evidence-based considerations for embryos with mosaic results on PGT-A. View the Committee Opinion
Frozen Embryo Destruction and Potential Travel Restrictions for Surrogacy Arrangements
Legally Speaking™ focuses on the impact and the potential implications of legal developments on the assisted reproductive technologies. View the Column
Journal Club Global: Transferencia de embriones frescos versus congelados: ¿Cuál es la mejor opción
Los resultados de nuevas técnicas de investigación clínica que utilizan información de bancos nacionales de vigilancia médica. View the Video
Defining embryo donation: an Ethics Committee opinion (2023)
The ethical appropriateness of patients donating embryos to other patients for family building, or for research, is well established.
View the Committee Opinion
Does the number of eggs being frozen matter?
There is currently only one CPT code for the cryopreservation of mature oocytes and embryos. View the Answer
Reproductive Tissue Storage
What are the CPT codes for the Storage of Reproductive Cells/Tissues? View the Answer
ICSI and Embryo Biopsy
How to bill for ICSI or embryo biopsies that occur in different days? View the Answer
Lab RVUs
Is there a list of RVUs for embryology and andrology laboratory procedures, and if so, where can it be found? View the Answer
Embryo Storage Fees For Multiple Cycles
We bill embryo storage 89342 for a year's storage. View the Answer
Embryo Biopsy
Have any new codes been introduced for the lab portion of PGT? View the Answer
Embryo Biopsy Embryologist Travel Costs
Can we bill insurance for the biopsy procedure? Can we bill for travel expenses? View the Answer
Embryo Biopsy PGS Testing
What codes are appropriate for PGS testing? View the Answer
Embryo Co-culture
Can codes 89250 and 89251 be billed on different days of the same cycle? View the Answer
Embryo Culture Denied As Experimental
We have received denials from insurance payers when billing CPT code 89251. View the Answer
Embryo Culture Less Than And More Than Four Days
When coding 89250 culture of oocytes/embryo <4 days, should that code be submitted to the insurance company for each of the days? View the Answer
Embryo Freezing/Thawing
Our question refers to the CPT code 89258 “Cryopreservation; Embryo(s)” and 89352 “Thawing of Cryopreserved; Embryo”. View the Answer
Embryo Thawing/Warming
Is it allowable to bill 89250 for the culture of embryos after thaw for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle? View the Answer
Gamete Thawing/Warming
Can patients be charged for each vial/straw of reproductive gametes or tissues thawed? View the Answer
D&C Under Ultrasound Guidance
What are the CPT codes and ICD-10 codes for coding a surgical case for a patient with history of Stage B adenocarcinoma of the cervix ... View the Answer
Assisted Hatching Billed With Embryo Biopsy
Do you know if both assisted hatching (89253) and embryo biopsy for PGS/PGD/CCS (89290/89291) can be billed during the same cycle? View the Answer
Assisted Zona Hatching
Can assisted hatching and embryo biopsy for PGT-A; PGT-M or PGT-SR be billed during the same cycle? View the Answer
Billing For Cryopreservation Of Embryos Under The Male Partner
Can 89258 be billed under the male partner of a female patient? View the Answer
Embryo Transfer
A summary of Embryo Transfer codes collected by the ASRM Coding Committee View the Coding Summary
Colorado court balances religious and secular beliefs in frozen embryo divorce dispute
The day before the Dobbs decision, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled on a divorcing couple’s disputed control over their frozen embryos. View the Legally Speaking
Journal Club Global: Is PGT-P cutting edge or should we cut it out?
PGT for polygenic risk scoring (PGT-P) is a novel screening strategy of embryos for polygenic conditions and traits. View the Video
Disposition of unclaimed embryos: an Ethics Committee opinion
Programs should create and enforce written policies addressing the designation, retention, and disposal of unclaimed embryos. View the Committee Opinion
A review of best practices of rapid-cooling vitrification for oocytes and embryos: a committee opinion (2021)
The focus of this paper is to review best practices for rapid-cooling cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos. View the Committee Opinion
Ethics in embryo research: a position statement by the ASRM Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force and the ASRM Ethics Committee (2020)
Scientific research using human embryos advances human health and offspring well-being and provides vital insights into the mechanisms for reproduction and disease. Research involving human embryos is ethically acceptable if it is likely to provide significant new knowledge that may benefit human health, well-being of the offspring, or reproduction. View the Committee Opinion
Guidance for Providers Caring for Women and Men Of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure (Updated 2019)
This ASRM guidance specifically addresses Zika virus infection issues and concerns of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). View the Guideline
Blastocyst culture and transfer in clinically assisted reproduction: a committee opinion (2018)
The purposes of this document is to review the literature regarding the clinical application of blastocyst transfer. View the Committee Opinion
Posthumous retrieval and use of gametes or embryos: an Ethics Committee opinion (2018)
Posthumous gamete (sperm or oocyte) retrieval or use for reproductive purposes is ethically justifiable if written documentation from the deceased authorizing the procedure is available. View the Committee Opinion
Disclosure of medical errors involving gametes and embryos: an Ethics Committee opinion (2016)
Medical providers have an ethical duty to disclose clinically significant errors involving gametes and embryos as soon as they are discovered. Clinics also should have written policies in place for reducing and disclosing errors. View the Committee Document
Recommended practices for the management of embryology, andrology, and endocrinology laboratories: a committee opinion (2014)
A general overview for good management practices within the endocrinology, andrology, and embryology laboratories in the United States. View the Recommendation
Informed consent and the use of gametes and embryos for research: a committee opinion (2014)
The ethical conduct of human gamete and embryo research depends upon conscientious application of principles of informed consent. View the Committee Opinion
ASRM EDGE Tool
Get the EDGE on your fellow Embryologists! As the grading of embryos varies within IVF laboratories and between laboratories, EDGE allows you to compare yourself against embryologists in the US and around the world. Learn more about the EDGE ToolTopic Resources
View more on the topic of azoospermia
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: March 2024
Topics this month include the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on live birth rates after IVF, the "freeze-all" strategy in women with adenomyosis, and more. Listen to the Episode
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: January 2024
Topics include the association between thick endometrium with pregnancy hypertensive disorders. state insurance mandates and racial inequities in ART. Listen to the Episode
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Microdose Interview: Dr. Ranjith Ramaswamy and Dr. Braian Ledesma
Listen to Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy and Dr. Braian Ledesma, who discuss the article "Fertility outcomes in men with prior history of anabolic steroid use." Listen to the Episode
Semen Analysis of Pellet
What is the CPT code for a semen pellet analysis? View the Answer
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ ASRM Guideline Part II (2021)
The summary presented is Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. View the GuidelineTopic Resources
View more on the topic of stem cell research
Ethics in embryo research: a position statement by the ASRM Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force and the ASRM Ethics Committee (2020)
Scientific research using human embryos advances human health and offspring well-being and provides vital insights into the mechanisms for reproduction and disease. Research involving human embryos is ethically acceptable if it is likely to provide significant new knowledge that may benefit human health, well-being of the offspring, or reproduction. View the Committee Opinion
