60252 Removal of thyroid
Also known as: partial thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, thyroid resection
Partial removal of the thyroid gland, typically subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy performed for benign or malignant thyroid disease.
In Plain Language
partial thyroid removal; removal of most of the thyroid gland
Clinical Context
Performed for Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, benign thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer when lobectomy or subtotal resection is appropriate. Preserves remaining thyroid tissue for hormone production.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.46 |
| Total RVU | 21.46 |
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 21.46, this code ranks in the 84th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60252?
CPT 60252 (Removal of thyroid) is a Surgery code. Partial removal of the thyroid gland, typically subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy performed for benign or malignant thyroid disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60252?
The work RVU for CPT 60252 is 21.46. This code is primarily used by general surgery, endocrine surgery, otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60252 used?
Performed for Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, benign thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer when lobectomy or subtotal resection is appropriate. Preserves remaining thyroid tissue for hormone production.
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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.