Summary & Overview
CPT 89280: Oocyte Microtechnique, Technical Services (≤10 Oocytes)
CPT code 89280 covers the laboratory technical procedures in assisted reproductive technology involving microtechniques to facilitate fertilization of oocytes, limited to handling 10 or fewer oocytes. This code is central to billing for embryology lab work that supports in vitro fertilization and other assisted conception services and is relevant to providers, payers, and fertility clinics nationwide.
Key payers included in the coverage landscape are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context for the code, common payer coverage patterns, and the operational implications for reproductive endocrinology practices and laboratory services. The publication outlines benchmark charge and payment considerations, typical billing modifiers and service line placement, and notes on site-of-service expectations for embryology and hospital labs.
This summary provides the reader with the essentials needed to understand when 89280 applies, who the major payers are, and what sections of a billing and compliance review to consult for further detail. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 89280 describes laboratory technical services in assisted reproductive technology where a lab analyst performs microtechniques to help fertilize oocytes. This code represents the technical steps performed on 10 or fewer oocytes during procedures that support in vitro fertilization.
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Service type: Laboratory technical procedure for oocyte micro-manipulation (assisted fertilization)
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Typical site of service: Reproductive endocrinology or fertility clinic laboratory; hospital-based embryology lab
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient undergoing an assisted reproductive technology cycle presents to the embryology laboratory on the day of oocyte retrieval. The reproductive endocrinology team has performed transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration and delivered the retrieved oocytes to the embryology lab. The laboratory analyst performs microtechniques to assist fertilization of up to ten oocytes, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) preparation steps, micromanipulation, and immediate technical handling required to place sperm into or near the oocyte. The workflow includes verifying patient and specimen identifiers, assessing oocyte maturity, preparing sperm (if not already prepared), performing micromanipulation under inverted microscopy, documenting technical steps and outcomes, and transferring inseminated oocytes to appropriate culture media for incubation and monitoring. Typical site of service is an outpatient hospital-based or freestanding outpatient fertility clinic embryology laboratory. The patient scenario commonly involves an infertility diagnosis such as male factor infertility, prior fertilization failure, or planned use of assisted fertilization techniques during an in vitro fertilization cycle.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default — no modifier | When no special modifier applies and full global service is reported. |