60270 Removal of thyroid
Also known as: total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy, complete thyroid removal
Total or near-total thyroidectomy, typically performed for malignancy or diffuse thyroid disease, removing the entire thyroid gland with preservation of parathyroid glands when possible.
In Plain Language
removal of entire thyroid; full thyroid gland removal
Clinical Context
Used for differentiated thyroid cancer, Graves' disease refractory to medical therapy, and extensive goiter. Requires radioactive iodine therapy and lifelong thyroid hormone replacement in cancer cases.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 22.62 |
| Total RVU | 22.62 |
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 22.62, this code ranks in the 86th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60270?
CPT 60270 (Removal of thyroid) is a Surgery code. Total or near-total thyroidectomy, typically performed for malignancy or diffuse thyroid disease, removing the entire thyroid gland with preservation of parathyroid glands when possible.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60270?
The work RVU for CPT 60270 is 22.62. This code is primarily used by endocrine surgery, head and neck surgery, general surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60270 used?
Used for differentiated thyroid cancer, Graves' disease refractory to medical therapy, and extensive goiter. Requires radioactive iodine therapy and lifelong thyroid hormone replacement in cancer cases.
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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.