60281 Remove thyroid duct lesion
Also known as: Sistrunk procedure, thyroglossal duct cyst removal with hyoid, thyroglossal ductectomy with hyoid
Surgical removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst with excision of the tract and central hyoid bone (Sistrunk procedure) to reduce recurrence risk.
In Plain Language
removal of thyroid duct cyst with bone removal; complete thyroid duct cyst surgery
Clinical Context
Gold standard for thyroglossal duct cyst management. Removal of central portion of hyoid bone significantly reduces recurrence rate. Indicated for symptomatic cysts or when malignancy is suspected.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.60 |
| Total RVU | 8.60 |
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 8.60, this code ranks in the 53rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60281?
CPT 60281 (Remove thyroid duct lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst with excision of the tract and central hyoid bone (Sistrunk procedure) to reduce recurrence risk.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60281?
The work RVU for CPT 60281 is 8.60. This code is primarily used by otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, general surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60281 used?
Gold standard for thyroglossal duct cyst management. Removal of central portion of hyoid bone significantly reduces recurrence rate. Indicated for symptomatic cysts or when malignancy is suspected.
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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.