2025 CPT code 60521
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Endocrine System Feed
Thymectomy, partial or total, via sternal split or transthoracic approach, without radical mediastinal dissection.
Modifiers may be applicable; consult current coding guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity must be supported by documentation of the underlying condition (e.g., thymoma, myasthenia gravis) requiring thymectomy and the reason why a sternal split or transthoracic approach without radical mediastinal dissection was chosen.
The surgeon prepares the patient, makes the incision, removes the thymus gland (partially or totally), inspects the area, may insert chest tubes, and closes the incision.
In simple words: This procedure involves removing part or all of the thymus gland, located in the chest, usually because of a tumor.The surgeon will access the gland by either splitting the breastbone or making an incision in the chest.This particular procedure doesn't include removing a large amount of surrounding tissue.
This code describes a surgical procedure where the provider removes either a part or all of the thymus gland.The approach involves either a sternal split (where the breastbone is divided) or a transthoracic approach (incision through the chest wall). This procedure does not include radical mediastinal dissection, a more extensive removal of tissues in the chest.
Example 1: A patient with a thymoma (tumor of the thymus) undergoes a thymectomy via a sternal split approach.Radical mediastinal dissection is not performed., A patient with myasthenia gravis requires a total thymectomy performed through a transthoracic approach, without radical mediastinal dissection., A patient requires partial removal of the thymus gland due to a benign growth.The procedure is done using a sternal split and no radical mediastinal dissection is required.
Documentation should include operative report detailing the surgical approach (sternal split or transthoracic), extent of thymectomy (partial or total), confirmation of no radical mediastinal dissection, any complications, and diagnoses necessitating the procedure.
- Revenue Code: P1G - Major Procedure - Other
- Global Days: This code likely has global days associated with it; however, you'll need to consult current coding guidelines to confirm the specific global period.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center