CPT 0553U: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Smart PGT–A Plus)

CPT code 0553U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analysis (PLA) code reported only for Smart PGT–A Plus from Igenomix® (part of Vitrolife Group™) and Thermo Fisher Scientific, representing an in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo preimplantation genetic testing service that analyzes a trophectoderm biopsy for all 24 chromosomes to detect structural rearrangements, aneuploidy, mosaicism, and provides a mitochondrial DNA score; the service is a laboratory molecular/genetic test typically performed in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory or specialized molecular diagnostics lab associated with IVF programs.

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CPT 0553U: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Smart PGT–A Plus)

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing 0553U are released or updated.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 36-year-old patient undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) elects preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using the proprietary Smart PGT–A Plus assay (0553U) offered by Igenomix® (Vitrolife Group™) and Thermo Fisher Scientific. After ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization and culture to the blastocyst stage (day 5–7), a trophectoderm biopsy is performed by the reproductive endocrinology laboratory. The sampled cells are placed in appropriate transport media and sent to the laboratory performing the Smart PGT–A Plus test.

The laboratory receives the specimen, extracts DNA, and performs comprehensive chromosome screening across 24 chromosomes including assessment for structural rearrangements, whole-chromosome gains or losses, and mosaicism. The assay also reports a mitochondrial DNA score. Results are returned to the ordering reproductive endocrinologist and the patient’s IVF care team to inform embryo selection for transfer or cryopreservation.

Typical site of service: outpatient fertility clinic and specialized molecular genetics laboratory. The service type is specialized molecular diagnostic testing (Proprietary Laboratory Analysis) specific to a manufacturer’s assay. Clinical workflow steps include: embryo biopsy at the IVF clinic, specimen transport to the performing lab, laboratory genomic analysis, and reporting of embryo chromosomal status to the IVF team for transfer planning.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`89260`	Embryo biopsy, blastocyst (trophectoderm), with or without zona pellucida manipulation	Performed at the IVF clinic to obtain the trophectoderm sample that is sent for `0553U` testing.
`89250`	Semen and/or ovum preparation for assisted reproductive technology; microinjection (ICSI)	Performed earlier in the IVF cycle as part of fertilization procedures preceding embryo biopsy and genetic testing.
`88271`	Molecular cytogenetics; FISH, 1–2 probes	May be used for confirmatory or alternative chromosome analysis in specific cases; not a substitute for comprehensive chromosome screening provided by `0553U`.
`81479`	Unlisted molecular pathology procedure	Occasionally used when billing unique or additional molecular tests not otherwise described, but proprietary PLA `0553U` is preferred for the Smart PGT–A Plus assay.
`88384`	Consultation and interpretation; complex molecular pathology consult	Used when a separate, complex professional interpretation or consultation is performed related to genetic test results for embryo selection.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
90	Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…	- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207K00000X	Allergy & Immunology Physician	An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
208100000X	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician	Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and…
261QM2500X	Medical Specialty Clinic/Center	An entity, facility, or distinct part of a facility providing diagnostic, treatment, and prescriptive services related to a specific area of medical s…
2279C0205X	Critical Care Registered Respiratory Therapist	Respiratory emergencies are commonplace in the treatment of critical care patients. Included in the assessment measurements conducted by the respirat…
276400000X	Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Hospital Unit	A distinct part of a hospital that provides medically monitored, interdisciplinary addiction-focused treatment to patients/clients who have psychoacti…
207W00000X	Ophthalmology Physician	An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are medically train…
2471C3401X	Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in computed tomography (CT) and is appropriately educated and trained, consistent with nationally recognized…

CPT 0001U: PreciseType HEA Erythrocyte Antigen Genotyping

CPT-0002U-POLYPDX-URINE-METABOLOMIC-ASSAY-ADENOMATOUS-POLYP-RISK

CPT 0002U: PolypDX™ Urine Metabolomic Risk Assay

CPT-0003U-OVAR-A-NEXT-GENERATION-OVARIAN-CANCER-RISK-ASSAY

CPT 0003U: Overa (MIA2G) Ovarian Cancer Risk Assay

CPT-0005U-PROSTATE-EXOSOMEDX-INTELLISCORE-GENE-EXPRESSION-URINE-TEST

CPT 0005U: ExosomeDx Prostate (IntelliScore) urine gene expression test

CPT-0007U-TOXPROTECT-URINE-DRUG-SCREEN-WITH-DNA-AUTHENTICATION

CPT 0007U: ToxProtect Urine Drug Screen With DNA Authentication

CPT-0008U-H-PYLORI-ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE-SEQUENCING-PANEL

CPT 0008U: H. pylori Antibiotic Resistance Gene Panel

CPT-0009U-DEPARRAY-HER2-FISH-TUMOR-CELL-ISOLATION

CPT 0009U: DEPArray HER2 Tumor‑Cell Isolation with FISH Analysis

CPT-0010U-BACTERIAL-TYPING-WHOLE-GENOME-SEQUENCING-MAYO-CLINIC

CPT 0010U: Bacterial Typing by Whole Genome Sequencing, Mayo Clinic

CPT-0011U-CORDANT-CORE-ALGORITHMIC-ORAL-FLUID-DRUG-TEST

CPT 0011U: Oral Fluid Drug Test with Algorithmic Steady‑State Comparison

CPT-0016U-BCR-ABL1-MAJOR-MINOR-FUSION-TRANSCRIPT-TESTING

CPT 0016U: BCR–ABL1 Major and Minor Breakpoint Fusion Transcripts

Showing 1–10 of 536

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`89260`	Embryo biopsy, blastocyst (trophectoderm), with or without zona pellucida manipulation	Performed at the IVF clinic to obtain the trophectoderm sample that is sent for `0553U` testing.
`89250`	Semen and/or ovum preparation for assisted reproductive technology; microinjection (ICSI)	Performed earlier in the IVF cycle as part of fertilization procedures preceding embryo biopsy and genetic testing.
`88271`	Molecular cytogenetics; FISH, 1–2 probes	May be used for confirmatory or alternative chromosome analysis in specific cases; not a substitute for comprehensive chromosome screening provided by `0553U`.
`81479`	Unlisted molecular pathology procedure	Occasionally used when billing unique or additional molecular tests not otherwise described, but proprietary PLA `0553U` is preferred for the Smart PGT–A Plus assay.
`88384`	Consultation and interpretation; complex molecular pathology consult	Used when a separate, complex professional interpretation or consultation is performed related to genetic test results for embryo selection.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
90	Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…	- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207K00000X	Allergy & Immunology Physician	An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
208100000X	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician	Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and…
261QM2500X	Medical Specialty Clinic/Center	An entity, facility, or distinct part of a facility providing diagnostic, treatment, and prescriptive services related to a specific area of medical s…
2279C0205X	Critical Care Registered Respiratory Therapist	Respiratory emergencies are commonplace in the treatment of critical care patients. Included in the assessment measurements conducted by the respirat…
276400000X	Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Hospital Unit	A distinct part of a hospital that provides medically monitored, interdisciplinary addiction-focused treatment to patients/clients who have psychoacti…
207W00000X	Ophthalmology Physician	An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are medically train…
2471C3401X	Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in computed tomography (CT) and is appropriately educated and trained, consistent with nationally recognized…

CPT 0001U: PreciseType HEA Erythrocyte Antigen Genotyping

CPT-0002U-POLYPDX-URINE-METABOLOMIC-ASSAY-ADENOMATOUS-POLYP-RISK

CPT 0002U: PolypDX™ Urine Metabolomic Risk Assay

CPT-0003U-OVAR-A-NEXT-GENERATION-OVARIAN-CANCER-RISK-ASSAY

CPT 0003U: Overa (MIA2G) Ovarian Cancer Risk Assay

CPT-0005U-PROSTATE-EXOSOMEDX-INTELLISCORE-GENE-EXPRESSION-URINE-TEST

CPT 0005U: ExosomeDx Prostate (IntelliScore) urine gene expression test

CPT-0007U-TOXPROTECT-URINE-DRUG-SCREEN-WITH-DNA-AUTHENTICATION

CPT 0007U: ToxProtect Urine Drug Screen With DNA Authentication

CPT-0008U-H-PYLORI-ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE-SEQUENCING-PANEL

CPT 0008U: H. pylori Antibiotic Resistance Gene Panel

CPT-0009U-DEPARRAY-HER2-FISH-TUMOR-CELL-ISOLATION

CPT 0009U: DEPArray HER2 Tumor‑Cell Isolation with FISH Analysis

CPT-0010U-BACTERIAL-TYPING-WHOLE-GENOME-SEQUENCING-MAYO-CLINIC

CPT 0010U: Bacterial Typing by Whole Genome Sequencing, Mayo Clinic

CPT-0011U-CORDANT-CORE-ALGORITHMIC-ORAL-FLUID-DRUG-TEST

CPT 0011U: Oral Fluid Drug Test with Algorithmic Steady‑State Comparison

CPT-0016U-BCR-ABL1-MAJOR-MINOR-FUSION-TRANSCRIPT-TESTING

CPT 0016U: BCR–ABL1 Major and Minor Breakpoint Fusion Transcripts

Showing 1–10 of 536

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 0553U: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Smart PGT–A Plus)

Sign up for cpt 0553U policy alerts

OpenPayer

CPT 0553U: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Smart PGT–A Plus)

Sign up for cpt 0553U policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References