Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

CPT code 89259 represents the laboratory cryopreservation of sperm performed by a lab analyst. This code captures a fertility-preservation service used for male patients who require long-term storage of sperm for future assisted reproduction or fertility preservation. Nationally, cryopreservation services are an important component of reproductive health, oncology fertility preservation pathways, and assisted reproductive technology programs.

Key payers in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for sperm cryopreservation, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations. The publication presents benchmark-level information about how the service is categorized and billed, notes on common modifiers and claims components, and clarifies where input data is not available.

The article is designed for billing professionals, laboratory managers, and policy analysts seeking a clear reference on the code’s purpose, clinical setting, and payer landscape. Data not available in the input is explicitly identified where applicable.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 89259 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 89259 describes the laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst performs cryopreservation of sperm from a male patient. The service involves processing and freezing sperm samples for long-term storage to preserve fertility.

Service type: Laboratory reproductive specimen processing and cryopreservation
Typical site of service: Hospital laboratory, standalone fertility clinic laboratory, or specialized andrology lab

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 89259 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

Service type: Laboratory reproductive specimen processing and cryopreservation
Typical site of service: Hospital laboratory, standalone fertility clinic laboratory, or specialized andrology lab

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 32-year-old male presents to an andrology laboratory for sperm cryopreservation prior to planned gonadotoxic therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient undergoes a baseline semen analysis followed by collection via masturbation in a private collection room. The lab analyst documents specimen identification, performs semen parameter assessment, mixes sample with an appropriate cryoprotectant, aliquots into labeled cryovials or straws, follows a controlled-rate freezing protocol, and transfers vials into long-term storage in liquid nitrogen tanks. Chain-of-custody, patient consent for storage and future use, and labeling requirements are completed. The service is billed using 89259 for the lab analyst’s cryopreservation procedure; typically the site of service is an outpatient fertility or hospital-based andrology/laboratory suite where tissue banking is performed.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	No modifier (default)	Applied when no additional reporting modifier is needed for the service.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required to cryopreserve sperm is substantially greater than typical (rare; requires documentation).
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a split-service laboratory procedure (if applicable to lab oversight).
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced (for example, incomplete processing due to inadequate specimen).
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the cryopreservation process is started but aborted for documented medical or technical reasons.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when cryopreservation is separate and distinct from other procedures performed on the same day (e.g., separate collection and banking events).
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Rarely applicable; use only when a return to perform additional cryopreservation-related procedure is needed under the same physician during global period.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon provided technical services during a surgical retrieval associated with cryopreservation (applies to surgical retrieval context).
`82`	Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident not available)	Use when an assistant surgeon is required but a qualified resident is unavailable.
`90`	Reference (outside) laboratory	Use when the laboratory service was performed by an outside independent laboratory; report when payor requires indication of outside lab.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services	Use when the service is performed or supervised by an advanced practice clinician and payors require this modifier.
`KX`	Requirements specified in medical policy have been met	Use when cryopreservation meets specific payer policy criteria and documentation supports medical necessity.
`PO`	Outpatient hospital service furnished without direct physician supervision	Use when laboratory personnel perform the procedure under hospital outpatient protocols without direct physician supervision.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when reporting only the technical component of the laboratory cryopreservation (equipment, supplies, tech time) when professional and technical components are split.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`106E00000X`	Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility	Physicians directing fertility services and overseeing sperm banking.
`1223P0001X`	Laboratory Director	Clinical laboratorians or lab directors responsible for lab processes and quality.
`362A00000X`	Clinical Andrology	Andrology technologists and specialists performing semen processing and cryopreservation.
`207RC0000X`	Urology	Urologists performing surgical sperm retrievals tied to cryopreservation.
`363A00000X`	Clinical Laboratory Scientist	Technologists who perform the technical aspects of sperm preparation and freezing.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N46.0`	Azoospermia	Common indication for sperm retrieval and cryopreservation when sperm are obtained via surgical retrieval.
`N46.1`	Oligospermia	Low sperm count often prompts semen preservation prior to treatments that may worsen fertility.
`C81.10`	Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face and neck	Malignancy requiring gonadotoxic therapy prompting fertility preservation like `89259`.
`C50.919`	Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of unspecified female breast	(Note: male breast cancer or other malignancies) Cancer diagnoses often trigger pre-treatment sperm banking.
`Z31.84`	Encounter for fertility preservation counseling	Administrative code used when counseling and planning for sperm cryopreservation.
`Z31.0`	Encounter for procreative management, including counseling and sterilization	Used when patients present for fertility management and preservation decisions.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`89300`	Spermatozoa; presence and quantitation/seminal analysis, non-automated	Often performed before `89259` to assess semen parameters guiding cryopreservation decisions.
`89320`	Sperm preparation with cell washing, simple wash or swim-up, each specimen	Performed when preparing sperm for freezing to remove seminal plasma or debris prior to cryoprotectant addition.
`89250`	Cryopreservation, embryo; per cryopreservation procedure	Related laboratory cryopreservation procedures for embryos; similar lab processes and facility resources (contextual relation).
`89258`	Post-thaw sperm viability testing	Performed after storage or thawing to evaluate viability following cryopreservation performed under `89259`.
`89260`	Storage of reproductive tissue, per specimen, short- or long-term (e.g., sperm banking)	Billed for ongoing storage fees associated with specimens cryopreserved under `89259`.
`58322`	Treatment of incomplete abortion — uterine aspiration (example of unrelated OR procedures)	Data not available in the input.

CPT 89250: Short-Term Culture of Oocytes or Embryos for ART

CPT-89251-OOCYTE-EMBRYO-SHORT-TERM-COCULTURE-ART

CPT 89251: Short-Term Oocyte or Embryo Coculture for ART

CPT-89253-ASSISTED-EMBRYO-HATCHING-PARTIAL-ZONA-DISSECTION

CPT 89253: Assisted Embryo Hatching, Partial Zona Dissection

CPT-89254-FOLLICULAR-FLUID-OOCYTE-IDENTIFICATION-LAB

CPT 89254: Follicular Fluid Analysis for Oocyte Identification

CPT-89255-EMBRYO-PREPARATION-FOR-TRANSFER-ART

CPT 89255: Embryo Preparation for Transfer in ART

CPT-89257-SPERM-IDENTIFICATION-FROM-ASPIRATION

CPT 89257: Identification of Sperm from Aspirated Specimens

CPT-89258-EMBRYO-CRYOPRESERVATION-IVF

CPT 89258: Embryo Cryopreservation During IVF Cycle

CPT-89260-LABORATORY-SPERM-PREPARATION-SPERM-WASH-SWIM-UP

CPT 89260: Laboratory Sperm Preparation (Sperm Wash, Swim–Up)

CPT-89261-SPERM-PREPARATION-AND-SEMEN-ANALYSIS

CPT 89261: Sperm Preparation and Semen Analysis

CPT-89264-SPERM-IDENTIFICATION-TESTICULAR-TISSUE

CPT 89264: Identification of Sperm from Testicular Tissue

Showing 1–10 of 36

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

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

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	No modifier (default)	Applied when no additional reporting modifier is needed for the service.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required to cryopreserve sperm is substantially greater than typical (rare; requires documentation).
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a split-service laboratory procedure (if applicable to lab oversight).
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced (for example, incomplete processing due to inadequate specimen).
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the cryopreservation process is started but aborted for documented medical or technical reasons.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when cryopreservation is separate and distinct from other procedures performed on the same day (e.g., separate collection and banking events).
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Rarely applicable; use only when a return to perform additional cryopreservation-related procedure is needed under the same physician during global period.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon provided technical services during a surgical retrieval associated with cryopreservation (applies to surgical retrieval context).
`82`	Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident not available)	Use when an assistant surgeon is required but a qualified resident is unavailable.
`90`	Reference (outside) laboratory	Use when the laboratory service was performed by an outside independent laboratory; report when payor requires indication of outside lab.
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services	Use when the service is performed or supervised by an advanced practice clinician and payors require this modifier.
`KX`	Requirements specified in medical policy have been met	Use when cryopreservation meets specific payer policy criteria and documentation supports medical necessity.
`PO`	Outpatient hospital service furnished without direct physician supervision	Use when laboratory personnel perform the procedure under hospital outpatient protocols without direct physician supervision.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when reporting only the technical component of the laboratory cryopreservation (equipment, supplies, tech time) when professional and technical components are split.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`106E00000X`	Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility	Physicians directing fertility services and overseeing sperm banking.
`1223P0001X`	Laboratory Director	Clinical laboratorians or lab directors responsible for lab processes and quality.
`362A00000X`	Clinical Andrology	Andrology technologists and specialists performing semen processing and cryopreservation.
`207RC0000X`	Urology	Urologists performing surgical sperm retrievals tied to cryopreservation.
`363A00000X`	Clinical Laboratory Scientist	Technologists who perform the technical aspects of sperm preparation and freezing.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N46.0`	Azoospermia	Common indication for sperm retrieval and cryopreservation when sperm are obtained via surgical retrieval.
`N46.1`	Oligospermia	Low sperm count often prompts semen preservation prior to treatments that may worsen fertility.
`C81.10`	Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face and neck	Malignancy requiring gonadotoxic therapy prompting fertility preservation like `89259`.
`C50.919`	Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of unspecified female breast	(Note: male breast cancer or other malignancies) Cancer diagnoses often trigger pre-treatment sperm banking.
`Z31.84`	Encounter for fertility preservation counseling	Administrative code used when counseling and planning for sperm cryopreservation.
`Z31.0`	Encounter for procreative management, including counseling and sterilization	Used when patients present for fertility management and preservation decisions.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`89300`	Spermatozoa; presence and quantitation/seminal analysis, non-automated	Often performed before `89259` to assess semen parameters guiding cryopreservation decisions.
`89320`	Sperm preparation with cell washing, simple wash or swim-up, each specimen	Performed when preparing sperm for freezing to remove seminal plasma or debris prior to cryoprotectant addition.
`89250`	Cryopreservation, embryo; per cryopreservation procedure	Related laboratory cryopreservation procedures for embryos; similar lab processes and facility resources (contextual relation).
`89258`	Post-thaw sperm viability testing	Performed after storage or thawing to evaluate viability following cryopreservation performed under `89259`.
`89260`	Storage of reproductive tissue, per specimen, short- or long-term (e.g., sperm banking)	Billed for ongoing storage fees associated with specimens cryopreserved under `89259`.
`58322`	Treatment of incomplete abortion — uterine aspiration (example of unrelated OR procedures)	Data not available in the input.

CPT 89250: Short-Term Culture of Oocytes or Embryos for ART

CPT-89251-OOCYTE-EMBRYO-SHORT-TERM-COCULTURE-ART

CPT 89251: Short-Term Oocyte or Embryo Coculture for ART

CPT-89253-ASSISTED-EMBRYO-HATCHING-PARTIAL-ZONA-DISSECTION

CPT 89253: Assisted Embryo Hatching, Partial Zona Dissection

CPT-89254-FOLLICULAR-FLUID-OOCYTE-IDENTIFICATION-LAB

CPT 89254: Follicular Fluid Analysis for Oocyte Identification

CPT-89255-EMBRYO-PREPARATION-FOR-TRANSFER-ART

CPT 89255: Embryo Preparation for Transfer in ART

CPT-89257-SPERM-IDENTIFICATION-FROM-ASPIRATION

CPT 89257: Identification of Sperm from Aspirated Specimens

CPT-89258-EMBRYO-CRYOPRESERVATION-IVF

CPT 89258: Embryo Cryopreservation During IVF Cycle

CPT-89260-LABORATORY-SPERM-PREPARATION-SPERM-WASH-SWIM-UP

CPT 89260: Laboratory Sperm Preparation (Sperm Wash, Swim–Up)

CPT-89261-SPERM-PREPARATION-AND-SEMEN-ANALYSIS

CPT 89261: Sperm Preparation and Semen Analysis

CPT-89264-SPERM-IDENTIFICATION-TESTICULAR-TISSUE

CPT 89264: Identification of Sperm from Testicular Tissue

Showing 1–10 of 36

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

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 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

OpenPayer

CPT 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

CPT 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

CPT 89259: Cryopreservation of Sperm, Laboratory Service

Sign up for cpt 89259 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does CPT 89259 cover and where is it typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly used with 89259 and when should they be applied?

What CPT codes are related to sperm cryopreservation and how do they relate to 89259?

Which diagnoses or clinical scenarios are associated with billing 89259?

Which specialties or taxonomy codes are associated with performing or overseeing the service billed with 89259?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does CPT 89259 cover and where is it typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly used with 89259 and when should they be applied?

What CPT codes are related to sperm cryopreservation and how do they relate to 89259?

Which diagnoses or clinical scenarios are associated with billing 89259?

Which specialties or taxonomy codes are associated with performing or overseeing the service billed with 89259?

References