How To Use CPT Code 60512

CPT 60512 describes the procedure of parathyroid autotransplantation, which is performed along with a primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. 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 60512?

CPT 60512 can be used to describe the procedure of parathyroid autotransplantation, which involves taking excised parathyroid tissue and placing it into a muscle pocket in the side of the neck or forearm muscles. The transplanted tissue develops a blood supply and starts functioning within 4 to 6 weeks. This procedure is typically performed along with a primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 60512 is: ‘Parathyroid autotransplantation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other specific codes for primary procedures such as 60500, 60502, 60505, 60212, 60225, 60240, 60252, 60254, 60260, 60270, and 60271.

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes a standard neck incision below the voice box and separates the skin into upper and lower flaps.
2. The overlying muscle, called the platysma, is divided, and the strap muscles are separated from the midline.
3. The provider performs the primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy, removing all parathyroids as well.
4. The excised parathyroid tissue is cut into small fragments and placed in muscle pockets within the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the front of the neck or the forearm muscle.
5. The muscle pocket is closed with sutures, and the overlying muscles and skin are closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 60512 is performed along with a primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. It is used when there is a need to transplant excised parathyroid tissue into a muscle pocket to allow the patient’s body to secrete some parathyroid hormone for normal function after the removal of all parathyroids. This procedure is typically performed when the patient’s condition requires it and when the provider determines it to be necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 60512

CPT code 60512 should be used when the provider performs parathyroid autotransplantation along with a primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. It is important to ensure that the primary procedure is appropriately coded and reported in conjunction with CPT 60512. This code should not be reported without an appropriate primary code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 60512, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure performed (e.g., thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy)
• Description of the parathyroid autotransplantation procedure
• Location of the muscle pocket where the excised parathyroid tissue is placed
• Method of closure for the muscle pocket
• Details of the closure of overlying muscles and skin
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 60512, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed along with a primary procedure of thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. Modifier 22 may be appended to the primary procedure code if the provider performs parathyroid autotransplantation in a unilateral procedure where it is typically not necessary. However, it is important to check payer guidelines for specific billing requirements and modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT 60512 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 thyroidectomy along with parathyroid autotransplantation to ensure normal parathyroid function after the removal of all parathyroids.
2. During a parathyroidectomy, the provider performs parathyroid autotransplantation to preserve some parathyroid function for the patient.
3. A patient with a thyroid condition undergoes a total thyroidectomy along with parathyroid autotransplantation to maintain parathyroid hormone secretion.
4. Parathyroid autotransplantation is performed along with a subtotal thyroidectomy to ensure proper parathyroid function for the patient.
5. During a parathyroidectomy, the provider performs parathyroid autotransplantation to prevent hypoparathyroidism in the patient.
6. A patient with hyperparathyroidism undergoes a parathyroidectomy along with parathyroid autotransplantation to maintain parathyroid hormone levels.
7. Parathyroid autotransplantation is performed along with a total thyroidectomy to preserve parathyroid function for the patient.
8. A patient with a thyroid condition undergoes a subtotal thyroidectomy along with parathyroid autotransplantation to ensure normal parathyroid hormone secretion.
9. During a parathyroidectomy, the provider performs parathyroid autotransplantation to prevent complications related to hypoparathyroidism.
10. A patient with hyperparathyroidism undergoes a parathyroidectomy along with parathyroid autotransplantation to maintain calcium homeostasis.