Thyroid RFA & Thyroid Ablation CPT^® Code for Insurance Reimbursement

Q: Is Thyroid RFA Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for thyroid RFA is determined by a patient’s medical situation, insurance coverage, and the determination of their insurance provider. Increasingly, more and more providers are covering this minimally invasive, highly effective treatment option. Some patients may require preauthorization to receive coverage. Consider working with a STARmed reimbursement specialist to ensure your patients can afford the safe, effective care they deserve.

Q: Is Thyroid RFA Covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare Part B typically covers RFA for the thyroid. It must be performed in a hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center, or doctor's office. If an overnight stay is required following the procedure, Medicare Part A will cover the hospitalization.

Q: Will the New CPT Code Impact Whether the Thyroid RFA Procedure is Covered by Insurance?

Previously, insurance companies only processed thyroid RFA as an “unlisted endocrine procedure.” In contrast, the new CPT codes specific language describing the procedure and its applications. The existence of the new CPT code demonstrates that thyroid RFA is a high-quality, research-backed treatment. The existence of a code will make billing, communication, and processing more streamlined and efficient. Thus, patients seeking coverage will likely face fewer hurdles during the process.

It’s now easier than ever to expand your service offerings and improve patient outcomes with radiofrequency ablation. Connect with us for reimbursement support or to learn how to implement thyroid RFA into your clinical practice.

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.

What are the CPT^® codes for Thyroid Ablation?

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

Close-up black and white photo of a doctor's hands performing RFA.

Insurance Reimbursement Support is Available from STARmed

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thyroid RFA Covered by Insurance?

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.

Is Thyroid RFA Covered by Medicare?

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.

Will the New CPT Code Impact Whether the Thyroid RFA Procedure is Covered by Insurance?

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.

Thyroid RFA & Thyroid Ablation CPT® Code for Insurance Reimbursement

What are the CPT ® codes for Thyroid Ablation?