How To Use CPT Code 60100

CPT 60100 describes the percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 60100?

CPT 60100 is used to describe the percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. This procedure involves the removal of a tissue sample from the thyroid gland using an automatic, spring-powered core needle. The purpose of the biopsy is to investigate any suspected pathology in the thyroid gland.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 60100 is: ‘Biopsy thyroid, percutaneous core needle.’ This code is used when the provider removes a tissue sample from the thyroid gland using a core needle.

3. Procedure

1. The provider identifies the part of the thyroid gland to be investigated, typically under ultrasound guidance.
2. The provider places the percutaneous core needle over the identified area.
3. The core needle, which is a spring-powered device, automatically moves in to scoop the thyroid tissue.
4. The outer casing of the core needle simultaneously follows to cut across the scooped tissue.
5. The provider then pulls back the needle and sends the tissue sample for pathological investigation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 60100 is performed when there is a need to investigate a suspected pathology in the thyroid gland. The procedure is typically done under imaging guidance, such as ultrasound. It is important to note that if imaging guidance is performed, separate codes for the guidance should be reported. Medicare allows reporting of CPT 60100 once per lesion or nodule.

5. When to use CPT code 60100

CPT code 60100 should be used when a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland is performed. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for diagnostic purposes and to investigate a suspected pathology in the thyroid gland.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 60100, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the biopsy and the suspected pathology
• Details of the procedure, including the use of imaging guidance if applicable
• Date and time of the procedure
• Location of the biopsy site
• Pathological investigation results, if available

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 60100, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed according to the official description. If imaging guidance is used, separate codes for the guidance should be reported. Medicare allows reporting of CPT 60100 once per lesion or nodule. It is important to review payer-specific guidelines for any additional billing requirements or modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT 60100 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of a thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance.
2. An endocrinologist performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of a suspicious thyroid lesion to determine if it is malignant or benign.
3. A surgeon performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland to investigate a suspected pathology.
4. An interventional radiologist performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland using fluoroscopic guidance.
5. An oncologist performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland to monitor the progression of a known thyroid cancer.
6. A pathologist examining a tissue sample obtained through a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland.
7. A physician performing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of a thyroid nodule to guide further treatment decisions.
8. A nurse assisting a provider during a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland.
9. A patient undergoing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland to investigate a suspected thyroid disorder.
10. A medical student observing a percutaneous core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland as part of their training.