Summary & Overview
CPT 58976: Tubal Transfer of Gamete, Zygote, or Embryo
Headline: CPT code 58976 Defines Tubal Transfer of Gametes, Zygotes, or Embryos
Lead: CPT code 58976 represents a specific assisted reproductive procedure in which a provider transfers a gamete, zygote, or embryo directly into the fallopian tube using a catheter. The code captures a targeted tubal transfer technique distinct from intrauterine embryo transfer and is relevant to fertility clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, hospital outpatient departments, and payers that cover reproductive services.
Why it matters: Tubal transfer procedures are a specialized component of assisted reproductive technology with implications for clinical pathway choice, billing specificity, and coverage policy. Clear coding ensures appropriate claims processing, utilization tracking, and alignment with clinical documentation.
Payers covered: Analysis addresses major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
What readers will learn: This publication explains the clinical scope of CPT code 58976, typical sites of service, and the service type. It outlines which major payers are considered in the coverage overview and highlights common billing modifiers associated with reproductive procedure billing when available. The report provides benchmarks, policy context, and practical coding considerations for institutions seeking accurate claims submission and reimbursement alignment.
Data note: Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and detailed payer-specific coverage policy language.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 58976 describes a procedure in which a provider transfers a gamete, zygote, or embryo directly into the fallopian tube using a catheter. This procedure is a form of assisted reproductive technology focused on placing reproductive material into the fallopian tube rather than the uterine cavity.
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Service type: Assisted reproductive procedure (tubal gamete/zygote/embryo transfer)
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient setting where minimally invasive reproductive procedures are performed.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient with a history of tubal factor infertility and prior unsuccessful intrauterine insemination presents to a reproductive endocrinology clinic for planned gamete/zygote/embryo transfer into the fallopian tube (tubal embryo transfer). The workflow includes pre-procedure counseling, review of ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval records if applicable, embryo or zygote preparation in the embryology laboratory, and verification of informed consent. On the day of service the patient undergoes mild sedation or monitored anesthesia care, the reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologic surgeon places a transcervical catheter under ultrasound guidance (or laparoscopic approach if indicated) and advances the catheter into the appropriate fallopian tube to deposit the gamete, zygote, or embryo. Post-procedure recovery includes short observation for anesthesia effects, discharge instructions regarding activity and medications, and scheduled follow-up for pregnancy testing and early obstetric monitoring. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; the service type is a minor operative reproductive procedure performed by a reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologic surgeon.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Use when no specific modifier applies (placeholder; rarely billed) |