60260 Repeat thyroid surgery
Also known as: completion thyroidectomy, reoperative thyroidectomy, second-look thyroid surgery
Repeat thyroidectomy or secondary thyroid surgery performed on a patient who has had prior thyroid surgery, typically more complex due to scar tissue and anatomic distortion.
In Plain Language
second thyroid surgery; reoperation on the thyroid
Clinical Context
Performed when initial surgery was incomplete, for occult thyroid cancer discovered after initial thyroidectomy, or when recurrent disease develops. Higher risk of complications due to scar tissue and nerve injury.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 17.80 |
| Total RVU | 17.80 |
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 17.80, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60260?
CPT 60260 (Repeat thyroid surgery) is a Surgery code. Repeat thyroidectomy or secondary thyroid surgery performed on a patient who has had prior thyroid surgery, typically more complex due to scar tissue and anatomic distortion.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60260?
The work RVU for CPT 60260 is 17.80. This code is primarily used by endocrine surgery, general surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60260 used?
Performed when initial surgery was incomplete, for occult thyroid cancer discovered after initial thyroidectomy, or when recurrent disease develops. Higher risk of complications due to scar tissue and nerve injury.
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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.