Otolaryngology Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Best Choice for Thyroidectomy With Central Neck Dissection
Published on Mon Nov 25, 2013
Question: How should we bill a thyroidectomy with central neck dissection?
Answer: Some coders recommend an “unlisted” code such as 21899 (Unlisted procedure, neck or thorax), but that’s not necessarily your best option. Instead, you’d be wise to follow the advice of CPT® Assistant in December 2012: bill 60252 (Thyroidectomy, total or subtotal for malignancy; with limited neck dissection) and 38724 (Cervical lymphadenectomy [modified radical neck dissection]) if the surgeon performs both a central neck dissection and lateral level II-IV during the encounter.
Minnesota Subscriber
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