Effective January 1st, 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) established two CPT® codes to report percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the thyroid. The assignment of specific CPT® codes signifies acceptance of Thyroid RFA as a standard medical procedure. As coverage and prior authorization requirements may vary by payer, it is recommended that you always contact your local payer(s) or our reimbursement team for specific coverage criteria of your local payers.
The introduction of Category 1 CPT® Codes 60660 and 60661 for Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation allows for streamlined claim reporting thereby improving the reimbursement process for thyroid RFA treatments. This marks a major step forward in making this minimally invasive treatment more accessible to patients and providers.
CPT Code | Description |
---|---|
60660 | Ablation of 1 or more thyroid nodule(s), one lobe or the isthmus, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, radiofrequency |
60661 | Ablation of 1 or more thyroid nodule(s), additional lobe, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, radiofrequency (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) *Use 60661 in conjunction with 60660 |
STARmed goes above and beyond to provide clinicians with the support they need to implement RFA into their practice. We’re eager to help physicians and patients navigate the insurance process through our STAR Support Program. You can also contact us with questions by calling 323-692-0028.
Thyroid RFA is currently insurance covered under the CPT ® codes 60660 and 60661. However, coverage criteria and prior authorization requirements for thyroid RFA will vary across payers. Consider working with our STARmed reimbursement team, which can provide payer-specific coverage criteria and prior authorization requirements to avoid denials. This will ensure that your patients can access this safe and effective treatment option.
There are currently no written National Coverage Decisions (NCD) or Local Coverage Decisions (LCDs) for radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules. Coverage for the procedure will be based on medical necessity on a case-by-case basis.
As of January 1, 2025, Relative Value Units (RVUs) were assigned to CPT 60660 and 60661 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Payment rates have been assigned in both the facility (hospital outpatient and ASC) and non-facility (office) settings.
Many insurance plans already have positive written coverage policies for RFA of benign thyroid nodules. The only change from the payer’s perspective is that prior to January 1, 2025, providers were reporting CPT 60699, Unlisted endocrine system. Providers will now report 60660 and 60661 and know the payment rate in advance. These new codes eliminate the need for providers to provide additional narrative notes when submitting claims, enables more timely processing of claims, and allows for more predictable payment. These codes, with descriptions are listed below.
CPT® Code information: American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), Federal Register
Disclaimer: The information contained in this email is provided for informational purposes only and represents no statement, promise or guarantee by STARmed America concerning reimbursement, payment, or charges. Similarly, all CPT Codes are supplied for informational purposes only and represent no statement, promise, or guarantee by STARmed America that these code selections will be appropriate for a given service or that reimbursement will be due. STARmed strongly recommends consultation with each respective Payor organization regarding coverage of STARmed America products or services.
Intended Use
The VIVA combo RF System is intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.
Star/VIVA RF Electrode is intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.
The ELRA Electrode is a radiofrequency (RF) catheter which provides bipolar energy to perform partial or complete ablation of tissue in the pancreatic and biliary tracts.
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