Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 37605

Transcutaneous sperm retrieval, unilateral, from either the testis or the epididymis, for the purposes of  intracytoplasmic sperm injection, for male factor infertility, excluding a service to which item 13218 applies.

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.)

Fee: $394.80 Benefit: 75% = $296.10 85% = $335.60

(See para TN.1.5, TN.8.58 of explanatory notes to this Category)

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Item 13251 provides for intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male factor infertility under the following circumstances:

-           where fertilisation with standard IVF is highly unlikely to be successful; or

-           where in a previous cycle of IVF, the fertilisation rate has failed due to low or no fertilisation. 

Item 13251 excludes a service to which item 13218 applies.  Sperm retrieval procedures associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection are covered under items 37605 and 37606. 

Items 13251, 37605, 37606 do not include services provided in relation to artificial insemination using the husband's or donated sperm.

Related Items: 13218 13251 37605 37606

Item 37605 covers transcutaneous sperm retrieval for the purposes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (item 13251) for male factor infertility, in association with assisted reproductive technologies. 

Item 37605 provides for the procedure to be performed unilaterally. Where it is clinically necessary to perform the service bilaterally, the multiple operation rule would apply, in accordance with point T8.5 of these Explanatory Notes. 

Where the procedure is carried out under local infiltration as the means of anaesthesia, additional benefit is not payable for the anaesthesia component as this is considered to be part of the procedure.

Related Items: 37605