How To Use CPT Code 60260

CPT code 60260 describes the surgical procedure of removing all remaining thyroid tissue following a previous partial thyroid removal. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 60260?

CPT 60260 can be used to describe the surgical removal of all remaining thyroid tissue after a previous partial thyroid removal. This procedure is typically performed when there is evidence of cancer in the remaining lobe of the thyroid. It is also known as completion thyroidectomy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 60260 is: ‘Thyroidectomy, removal of all remaining thyroid tissue following previous removal of a portion of the thyroid.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes a standard neck incision below the voice box, about 3-5 inches horizontally.
2. The skin is separated into upper and lower flaps, and the platysma muscle is divided.
3. The strap muscles are separated from the midline.
4. The provider cuts and ties the ends of the overlying thyroid vessels that supply blood to the remaining thyroid tissue.
5. Care is taken to avoid injury to the adjacent recurrent laryngeal nerve that innervates the vocal cord.
6. The provider slowly separates the thyroid tissue from the underlying structures.
7. All remnants of the thyroid are removed, while sparing the parathyroid gland.
8. Hemostasis is achieved to stop bleeding.
9. The overlying muscles and skin are closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 60260 is performed when there is evidence of cancer in the remaining lobe of the thyroid after a previous partial thyroid removal. It may also be performed in cases of uncontrollable Graves’s disease. The procedure is typically carried out by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 60260

CPT code 60260 should be used when the provider performs a complete removal of all remaining thyroid tissue following a previous partial thyroid removal. It is important to note that for a bilateral procedure, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 60260, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure, such as evidence of cancer in the remaining lobe of the thyroid
• Details of the previous partial thyroid removal
• Date of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the procedure
• Any complications encountered
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 60260, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. If the procedure is bilateral, modifier 50 should be appended to the code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 60260 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 patient undergoes a completion thyroidectomy after a previous partial thyroid removal due to the presence of cancer in the remaining lobe.
2. A provider performs a CPT 60260 procedure to remove all remaining thyroid tissue in a patient with uncontrollable Graves’s disease.
3. A completion thyroidectomy is performed on a patient who had a previous partial thyroid removal and is found to have cancer in the remaining lobe.
4. A qualified healthcare professional performs a CPT 60260 procedure to remove all remaining thyroid tissue in a patient with a history of thyroid cancer.
5. A completion thyroidectomy is carried out on a patient who had a previous partial thyroid removal and is experiencing complications related to the remaining thyroid tissue.
6. A provider performs a CPT 60260 procedure to remove all remaining thyroid tissue in a patient with a history of thyroid disease and persistent symptoms.
7. A completion thyroidectomy is performed on a patient who had a previous partial thyroid removal and is found to have suspicious nodules in the remaining lobe.
8. A qualified healthcare professional performs a CPT 60260 procedure to remove all remaining thyroid tissue in a patient with a history of thyroid disease and worsening symptoms.
9. A completion thyroidectomy is carried out on a patient who had a previous partial thyroid removal and is experiencing recurrent thyroid nodules.
10. A provider performs a CPT 60260 procedure to remove all remaining thyroid tissue in a patient with a history of thyroid disease and an enlarging thyroid gland.