2025 CPT code 60502
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Endocrine System Surgery Feed
Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands, often to treat hyperparathyroidism.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be used if multiple procedures are performed during the same surgical session. Modifier 22 (increased procedural services) can be used to reflect significant additional work or complexity.
Medical necessity for a parathyroidectomy is established based on clinical presentation (symptoms of hyperparathyroidism), laboratory findings (elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels), and imaging studies confirming the presence of a parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia.In cases of parathyroid carcinoma, medical necessity is readily apparent due to the life-threatening nature of the malignancy.
The surgeon's responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, surgical planning and execution, intraoperative monitoring, tissue sampling (biopsy) for pathology, and post-operative care. The surgeon must ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout the entire procedure.Specific responsibilities include making an incision, exposing the parathyroid glands, identifying the affected gland(s), removing the diseased tissue, placing a drain, and closing the wound.The surgeon also manages potential complications such as bleeding, nerve damage, or hypocalcemia.
In simple words: This surgery removes one or more of the small parathyroid glands located near the thyroid in your neck. It's often done to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition where these glands produce too much hormone, causing high calcium levels in the blood. The surgeon makes a small cut in your neck to remove the problem gland(s).
Parathyroidectomy involves the surgical excision of one or more parathyroid glands.This procedure is typically performed to address hyperparathyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive production of parathyroid hormone leading to elevated blood calcium levels. The surgery may involve exploration and removal of diseased glands, with intraoperative pathology confirmation if needed. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck, exposes the thyroid and parathyroid glands, identifies and isolates the affected gland(s), performs a biopsy for confirmation, and removes the abnormal tissue. A drain may be placed, and the wound is closed.The procedure may be indicated for various reasons including parathyroid adenoma, hyperplasia, or cancer, and can be performed via open or minimally invasive techniques.
Example 1: A 55-year-old female patient presents with persistent hypercalcemia, fatigue, and bone pain. Imaging reveals a parathyroid adenoma.A parathyroidectomy is performed to remove the adenoma, alleviating symptoms and restoring normal calcium levels., A 60-year-old male patient with a history of chronic kidney disease develops secondary hyperparathyroidism. Medical management fails, so a parathyroidectomy is performed to reduce parathyroid hormone levels and improve calcium regulation., A 40-year-old female patient is diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma.A parathyroidectomy is performed to remove the cancerous tissue, along with a neck dissection if indicated by the extent of the malignancy.
Pre-operative imaging (ultrasound, sestamibi scan), intra-operative pathology report confirming the diagnosis, operative notes detailing the procedure and tissue removed, post-operative blood calcium levels, and any other relevant clinical documentation.
** This code encompasses various surgical approaches, including open and minimally invasive techniques.The selection of the specific approach should be based on the patient’s clinical presentation and the surgeon's judgment.Accurate documentation is paramount for proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office