How To Use CPT Code 0673T

CPT 0673T describes the percutaneous laser ablation of one or more benign thyroid nodules, including imaging guidance. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0673T?

CPT 0673T can be used to describe the percutaneous laser ablation of one or more benign thyroid nodules, with the assistance of imaging guidance. This code is used when a provider uses a laser to destroy the abnormal tissue of the nodules through the skin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0673T is: ‘Ablation, benign thyroid nodule(s), percutaneous, laser, including imaging guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. Using imaging guidance, the provider inserts one or more needles through the skin and into the benign thyroid nodule(s).
3. A laser fiber is positioned through the needle(s) to contact the nodule tissue.
4. The provider applies energy from the laser to destroy the nodule(s).
5. Imaging guidance is used throughout the procedure to visualize the tissues.
6. One or more benign thyroid nodules may be ablated during the session.
7. Once the ablation is complete, the provider removes the needle(s) and concludes the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 0673T are those with one or more benign thyroid nodules that require ablation. A benign neoplasm is an abnormal mass of cells that lacks the ability to penetrate nearby tissues. The procedure must be performed percutaneously, meaning it is minimally invasive and done through the skin. Imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, is used to assist with visualization during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 0673T

CPT code 0673T should be used when a provider performs percutaneous laser ablation of one or more benign thyroid nodules, including imaging guidance. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 76940, 76942, 77013, or 77022.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0673T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for ablation of the benign thyroid nodule(s)
• Use of imaging guidance during the procedure
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Number of nodules ablated
• Details of the laser ablation technique used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0673T, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for percutaneous laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules, including imaging guidance. Do not report this code in conjunction with codes 76940, 76942, 77013, or 77022. It is important to note that this code includes imaging guidance, so it should not be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 0673T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing percutaneous laser ablation of a benign thyroid nodule with imaging guidance.
2. A patient with multiple benign thyroid nodules undergoing laser ablation during a percutaneous procedure.
3. A provider using imaging guidance to assist with the destruction of a single benign thyroid nodule using a laser.
4. A case where a provider ablates multiple benign thyroid nodules through the skin using a laser, with the help of imaging guidance.
5. A patient with a large benign thyroid nodule receiving percutaneous laser ablation under imaging guidance.
6. A provider performing laser ablation on a benign thyroid nodule, with the assistance of imaging guidance to ensure accurate targeting.
7. A case where a provider uses a laser to ablate a benign thyroid nodule percutaneously, with the aid of imaging guidance.
8. A patient with recurrent benign thyroid nodules undergoing percutaneous laser ablation with imaging guidance.
9. A provider performing laser ablation on multiple benign thyroid nodules during a percutaneous procedure, using imaging guidance for precise targeting.
10. A case where a provider uses a laser to destroy a benign thyroid nodule through the skin, with the assistance of imaging guidance.