In this month's Fertility & Sterility: Unplugged, we take a look at articles from F&S's sister journals! Topics this month include: melatonin and implantation (4:38), whole-genome screening of embryos (12:21), and bioengineering assisted reproductive technology (24:45).
Consider This: https://www.fertstert.org/news-do/can-oral-melatonin-supplementation-increase-blastocyst-implantation-success-women
F&S Reports: https://www.fertstertreports.org/article/S2666-3341(24)00001-1/fulltext
F&S Reviews: https://www.fertstertreviews.org/article/S2666-5719(24)00002-1/pdf
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 - Live from PCRS 2024
Fertility & Sterility on Air brings you the highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.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
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.
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.
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.
Topic Resources
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 ReleaseIVF-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 ReleaseFertility and Sterility On Air - Live from PCRS 2024
Fertility & Sterility on Air brings you the highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society. Listen to the EpisodeASRM 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 ReleaseWhat's New from the Fertility and Sterility Family of Journals
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 ColumnWhat'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 MoreShipping 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 AnswerClinical 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 OpinionFrozen 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 ColumnJournal 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 VideoDefining embryo donation: an Ethics Committee opinion (2023)
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 AnswerReproductive Tissue Storage
What are the CPT codes for the Storage of Reproductive Cells/Tissues? View the AnswerICSI and Embryo Biopsy
How to bill for ICSI or embryo biopsies that occur in different days? View the AnswerLab RVUs
Is there a list of RVUs for embryology and andrology laboratory procedures, and if so, where can it be found? View the AnswerEmbryo Storage Fees For Multiple Cycles
We bill embryo storage 89342 for a year's storage. View the AnswerEmbryo Biopsy
Have any new codes been introduced for the lab portion of PGT? View the AnswerEmbryo Biopsy Embryologist Travel Costs
Can we bill insurance for the biopsy procedure? Can we bill for travel expenses? View the AnswerEmbryo Biopsy PGS Testing
What codes are appropriate for PGS testing? View the AnswerEmbryo Co-culture
Can codes 89250 and 89251 be billed on different days of the same cycle? View the AnswerEmbryo Culture Denied As Experimental
We have received denials from insurance payers when billing CPT code 89251. View the AnswerEmbryo 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 AnswerEmbryo Freezing/Thawing
Our question refers to the CPT code 89258 “Cryopreservation; Embryo(s)” and 89352 “Thawing of Cryopreserved; Embryo”. View the AnswerEmbryo Thawing/Warming
Is it allowable to bill 89250 for the culture of embryos after thaw for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle? View the AnswerGamete Thawing/Warming
Can patients be charged for each vial/straw of reproductive gametes or tissues thawed? View the AnswerD&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 AnswerAssisted 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 AnswerAssisted Zona Hatching
Can assisted hatching and embryo biopsy for PGT-A; PGT-M or PGT-SR be billed during the same cycle? View the AnswerBilling For Cryopreservation Of Embryos Under The Male Partner
Can 89258 be billed under the male partner of a female patient? View the AnswerEmbryo Transfer
A summary of Embryo Transfer codes collected by the ASRM Coding Committee View the Coding SummaryColorado 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 SpeakingJournal 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 VideoDisposition 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 OpinionA 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 OpinionEthics 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 OpinionGuidance 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 GuidelineBlastocyst 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 OpinionPosthumous 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 OpinionDisclosure 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 DocumentRecommended 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 RecommendationInformed 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 OpinionASRM 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
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 ReleaseASRM 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 ReleaseIVF 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 ReleaseASRM 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 ReleaseSenate 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 ReleaseASRM 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 ReleaseASRM 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 ReleasePrevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline (2023)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication associatedwith assisted reproductive technology. View the guidelineASRM 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 ReleaseGuidance for coding limited or follow-up ultrasounds used during an IVF Cycle
I am a coder for a Reproductive Endocrinologist's office and am looking for some guidelines on limited or follow-up ultrasounds used during an IVF Cycle. View the AnswerMeasurements to report with ultrasound codes
Are there clear guidelines as to what measurements are required in order to bill for each type of ultrasound? VIew the AnswerBilling for cryopreservation procedures on different days
I understand that if cryopreservation of oocytes is performed on two separate dates of service, each date of service was billable. View the AnswerBilling 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 AnswerEstradiol Free versus Total
Should patients with fertility issues be billing Estradiol Free (82681) instead of Estradiol Total (82670)? View the AnswerIVF coverage denied for Z31.83 diagnosis code
My wife and I have been seeking IVF treatment and coverage was added for infertility treatment (up to $25,000) but our insurer keeps denying it. View the AnswerCycle coordination fees and 99499, S4042
I reviewed cycle coordination fees, but see that there is no specific code for cycle management. View the AnswerSupervising provider for embryology billing
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 AnswerThe International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017†‡§ (2017)
Terms and definitions currently used infertility care, infertility and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) can have different meanings that are dependent upon the setting, their usage in research or clinical interventions, or among diverse populations.View the Committee Joint Guideline
Journal Club Global - Revisiting the STAR trial: The Fellows debate PGT-A
We are excited to host a debate covering the pros and cons of PGT-A and how new technologies should be validated before clinical implementation. View the VideoInformed consent in assisted reproduction: an Ethics Committee opinion (2023)
Informed consent is a process in which the patient is supported in developing an understanding of medical options. View the Ethics Committee OpinionUnlisted Fertility Treatment CPT Code
Can you please refer me to an unlisted management CPT code for fertility treatment? View the AnswerZ Codes Vs. Procedure Codes For Fertility Preservation Counseling
I am trying to understand better when to use the procreative management code vs the fertility preservation counseling and procedure codes. View the AnswerPregnancy Of Unknown Location
What is the most appropriate ICD-10 code for pregnancy of unknown location (not an ectopic pregnancy)? View the AnswerPregnancy 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 AnswerIUI Same Gender
When managing an IUI or IVF cycle for a female same sex couple or a patient that has no exposure to sperm, what ICD 10 diagnosis should be used? View the AnswerIVF Case Rates
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates? View the AnswerLimited Monitoring Ultrasound
What is the appropriate code to use for a limited follow-up follicular transvaginal ultrasound? View the AnswerLimited Transvaginal Ultrasound
One of our clients received information that a repeat limited transvaginal ultrasound should be billed with a limited pelvic ultrasound code (76857). View the AnswerMonitoring E&M
Our group would like to know if others are billing an evaluation and management code for ultrasound and blood draw visits? View the AnswerMonitoring FET
What is the correct diagnosis code to use on the follicle ultrasound (76857) for a patient who is undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET)? View the AnswerMonitoring Ovulation Induction By Nurses
We are considering the use of CPT code 99211 for encounters during cycle management as part of ovulation induction. View the AnswerNon-REI Board Certified MD Performing REI Procedures
My boss has a few follow up questions about a non-REI board certified MD performing REI procedures. View the AnswerIn Vitro Maturation
Have CPT codes been established for maturation in vitro? View the AnswerEmbryo Storage Fees For Multiple Cycles
We bill embryo storage 89342 for a year's storage. View the AnswerEndometrial Receptivity Analysis
Our physicians are going to start doing an Endometrial Receptivity Analysis. Do you know the appropriate CPT code that should be used?View the Answer
Flat Fee For Outside Monitoring
Can our office charge outside monitoring patients a flat fee to be seen? View the AnswerDiagnosis Code For Same-Sex Egg Donation
We have a same-sex male couple with insurance coverage for IVF. View the AnswerDonor 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 AnswerBilling at an Outside Clinic for Lab Services
One of my physicians uses an outside facility to perform the retrievals and transfers. View the AnswerBoard Certified Vs. Non-Board Certified Billing
Is coding/billing any different when a non-board certified or non-REI provider submits for REI procedure? View the AnswerCoding For Placement Of A Cervical Stitch
Physicians at our practice are placing a stitch and dilating the cervix after egg retrievals for those patients that have cervical stenosis. View the AnswerAssisted 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 AnswerMental-health Services During Assisted Reproduction
A summary of codes for Mental-health Services During Assisted Reproduction compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding SummaryLaboratory Procedures during ART Cycles
A listing of codes, compiled for a fresh ART cycle, transfer, biopsy, cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes, storage, and thawing. View the Coding SummaryJournal Club Global: Evidence for Immunologic Therapies in Women Undergoing ART
Reproductive immunology is perhaps one of the most controversial and promising fields within ART. View the VideoComprehensive guidance for human embryology, andrology, and endocrinology laboratories: management and operations: a committee opinion (2022)
ASRM has published guidance and minimum standards for embryology and andrology laboratories. View the Committee OpinionJournal 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 VideoJournal Club Global - Fertilization rate as a novel indicator in ART results
This Journal Club Global discusses a provocative article recently published in Fertility and Sterility, discussing the results of a multicenter retrospective cohort study with the objective to appraise the fertilization rate as a predictive factor for cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). View the VideoJournal Club Global - Are We Approaching Automation in ART?
Some ART diagnostic devices are already available and offer objective tools of evaluation. View the VideoGuidance 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 OpinionRole of tubal surgery in the era of assisted reproductive technology: a committee opinion (2021)
This document reviews surgical options for reparative tubal surgery and the factors that must be considered when deciding between surgical repair and IVF.View the Committee Opinion
Minimum standards for practices offering assisted reproductive technologies: a committee opinion (2021)
A framework for assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs that meet or exceed the requirements suggested by the Centers for Disease Control View the Committee OpinionJournal Club Global - Recurrent Implantation Failures in ART: Myth or Reality?
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 OpinionUsing family members as gamete donors or gestational carriers (2017)
The use of adult intrafamilial gamete donors and gestational surrogates is generally ethically acceptable when all participants are fully informed. View the Committee DocumentFinancial ‘‘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 DocumentCorrect coding for laboratory procedures during assisted reproductive technology cycles
This document provides updated coding information for services related to assisted reproductive technology procedures. View the Coding Committee DocumentRecommended 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 RecommendationBest 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 GuidelineTopic Resources
Journal Club Global: Cost effectiveness analyses of PGT-A
Infertility treatments can be financially burdensome, often without insurance coverage, making understanding the cost effectiveness of PGT-A crucial. View the VideoFertility 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 EpisodeASRM Today: Genetic Counseling Complexities with Katherine Hornberger
Katherine Hornberger stops by to talk about some of the complexities that can come with genetic counseling in areas such as carrier screenings and more. Listen to the EpisodeCoding PGT requisitions to the PGT lab
Do you have any recommended codes to use for PGT requisitions to the PGT lab? View the AnswerFertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: December 2023
Topics this month include: the growing role of private equity in fertility care, ART outcomes after fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial neoplasia, and more. Listen to the EpisodeClinical 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 OpinionJournal Club Global - Revisiting the STAR trial: The Fellows debate PGT-A
We are excited to host a debate covering the pros and cons of PGT-A and how new technologies should be validated before clinical implementation. View the VideoSperm DNA Fragmentation
Is there a CPT code for HALO DNA Fragmentation for sperm? View the AnswerResults Review
What CPT code is most appropriate to submit for Physician Time to review CCS/PGS/PGD results? View the AnswerICSI and Embryo Biopsy
How to bill for ICSI or embryo biopsies that occur in different days? View the AnswerGenetic Counseling
Does ASRM have any guidance for how to bill for genetic counseling services provided by a genetic counselor?View the Answer