60240 Removal of thyroid
Also known as: total thyroidectomy, bilateral thyroidectomy, thyroidectomy total
Total removal of the thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) for benign or malignant pathology.
In Plain Language
removing the entire thyroid
Clinical Context
Performed for thyroid cancer, Graves disease, multinodular goiter, or large bilateral nodules; requires lifelong thyroid replacement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.66 |
| Total RVU | 14.66 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 14.66, this code ranks in the 72nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60240?
CPT 60240 (Removal of thyroid) is a Surgery code. Total removal of the thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) for benign or malignant pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60240?
The work RVU for CPT 60240 is 14.66. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Endocrinology, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60240 used?
Performed for thyroid cancer, Graves disease, multinodular goiter, or large bilateral nodules; requires lifelong thyroid replacement.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.