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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Unlisted Is the Best Sperm Aspiration Choice

Published on Tue Mar 16, 2010

Question: My urologist is performing percutaneous epididymal and/or testicular sperm aspiration for fertility testing. What code can I use for this procedure? Washington Subscriber Answer: There are no specific codes for these procedures. Therefore, you should use the unlisted code: 55899 (Unlisted procedure, male genital system). You'll need to send the payer the operative report with a full explanation of the procedures performed and a cover letter explaining the reasons for these procedures. Coding for these procedures and receiving payments have always been a problem with many payers not reimbursing for them. Before doing one of these procedures, your urologist should have the patient sign a waiver to indicate financial responsibility when and if a payer denies payment.
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