Coding of identification of sperm in aspirate
During vasovasostomy/vasoepididyostomy procedures, our surgeons perform intra-op sperm identification from aspirate (description below of the exact work being performed). We had been billing 88333-88334 for this work – these codes are not bundled, and we’re being paid for them – when one of our newest coders suggested this was not appropriate billing. Other than the fact that the 88333-4 codes are for an intra-op pathology consult, the work the surgeon is performing fits. Is this truly an inappropriate billing?
I investigated other path/lab codes that may be more appropriate as the performing provider, but all that I could find were codes with no RVUs (again, review the email chain below). Being that we’re talking about the surgeon's work vs. the facility component of the OR, this doesn’t seem sufficient. Looking for recommendation(s) on how to capture this work.
I investigated other path/lab codes that may be more appropriate as the performing provider, but all that I could find were codes with no RVUs (again, review the email chain below). Being that we’re talking about the surgeon's work vs. the facility component of the OR, this doesn’t seem sufficient. Looking for recommendation(s) on how to capture this work.
Login now to view this Coding information. Coding Resources are available to ASRM Members only.
If you are not an ASRM member and would like to be, visit the Membership Tab above.
Coding Q&A
View more Coding Q&A in this category
Physician Review during billing of Semen Analysis
When billing for a semen analysis, is the physician required
Billing for the partner workup
Are most practices in REI billing male partners for their history? We also order labs and sperm count on all male partners.
Semen analysis and thaw code
Can we use the semen analysis presence and motility (89300) code along with a reproductive tissue thaw code (89354)
TESE test thaws
We perform test thaws to determine if frozen TESE specimens from other clinics are suitable for our procedures.Coding Corner
Coding Corner is segmented into the following sections. Click an image below to view questions and answers in that section.
More Resources
ASRM Academy on the Go
ASRM MAC Tool 2021
The ASRM Müllerian Anomaly Classification 2021 (MAC2021) includes cervical and vaginal anomalies and standardize terminology within an interactive tool format.
Practice Guidance
EMR Shared Phrases/Template Library
This resource includes phrases shared by ASRM physician members to provide a template for individuals to create their own EMR phrases.
ASRM Practice Documents
These guidelines have been developed by the ASRM Practice Committee to assist physicians with clinical decisions regarding the care of their patients.
ASRM Ethics Opinions
Ethics Committee Reports are drafted by the members of the ASRM Ethics Committee on the tough ethical dilemmas of reproductive medicine.
Practice Guidance
Coding Corner Q & A
The Coding Corner Q & A is a list of previously submitted and answered questions from ASRM members about coding. Answers are available to ASRM Members only.
Practice Guidance
COVID-19 Resources
A compendium of ASRM resources concerning the Novel Corona virus (SARS-COV-2) and COVID-19.
Patient Resources
ReproductiveFacts.org provides a wide range of information related to reproductive health and infertility through patient education fact sheets, infographics, videos, and other resources.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of male fertility and andrology
AUA Releases Male Infertility Guideline Amendment
The AUA, in collaboration with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has released the 2024 amendment to the Male Infertility Guideline.
View the Press Release
Billing for the partner workup
Are most practices in REI billing male partners for their history? We also order labs and sperm count on all male partners. View the Answer
Billing both partners for 99205 initial consultation
We discussed the ability to bill 99205 for an initial consultation on both the male and female partners if they both present for the consultation. View the Answer
Semen analysis and thaw code
Can we use the semen analysis presence and motility (89300) code along with a reproductive tissue thaw code (89354) View the Answer
TESE test thaws
We perform test thaws to determine if frozen TESE specimens from other clinics are suitable for our procedures. View the Answer
Tobacco or marijuana use and infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
In the United States, approximately 21% of adults report some form of tobacco use, although 18% report marijuana use. View Committee Opinion
Diagnostic evaluation of sexual dysfunction in the male partner in the setting of infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
It is the responsibility of the clinician to assess for erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, or diminished libido in men presenting for infertility. View the Committee Opinion
Testing With No History of Infertility
What diagnosis codes should providers submit to insurance carriers while trying to evaluate fertility issues? View the Answer
Semen Analysis For Assessment of Fertility
What is the appropriate diagnostic code to use for a semen analysis for the assessment of infertility? View the Answer
Post Vasectomy Infertility
If a husband has had a vasectomy, does the sterilization code apply to the wife's visits? 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
Diagnostic Testing of an Infertile Couple
The Z31.41 is or is not the correct code to use for diagnostic testing of an infertile couple? And If so can if be used as the primary and only code? View the Answer
Male Infertility
A summary of common codes for Male Infertility compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
Journal Club Global Live from PCRS - ICSI for Non-Male Factor Infertility
While intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of male factor infertility, a significant controversy still remains regarding its ubiquitous use in all IVF cycles. View the Video
Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion (2022)
This committee opinion provides practitioners with suggestions for optimizing the likelihood of achieving pregnancy in couples... View the Committee Opinion
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for non–male factor indications: a committee opinion (2020)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is frequently used in combination with assisted reproductive technologies. View the Committee Document
Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part I (2021)
Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. View the Guideline
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 Guideline
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
Improving the Reporting of Clinical Trials of Infertility Treatments (IMPRINT): modifying the CONSORT statement (2014)
Clinical trials testing infertility treatments often do not report on the major outcomes of interest to patients and clinicians and the public. View the Guideline
