60600 Remove carotid body lesion
Also known as: carotid body tumor excision, glomus tumor removal, carotid bifurcation tumor resection
Surgical removal of carotid body tumor or glomus tumor of the carotid bifurcation region, a benign but potentially symptomatic neuroendocrine neoplasm.
In Plain Language
removal of carotid body tumor; surgery on neck artery tumor
Clinical Context
Performed for symptomatic carotid body tumors or when malignant potential is a concern. Technically challenging due to intimacy with carotid bifurcation; risk of carotid injury, stroke, or cranial nerve injury.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 24.46 |
| Total RVU | 24.46 |
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 24.46, this code ranks in the 88th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60600?
CPT 60600 (Remove carotid body lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of carotid body tumor or glomus tumor of the carotid bifurcation region, a benign but potentially symptomatic neuroendocrine neoplasm.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60600?
The work RVU for CPT 60600 is 24.46. This code is primarily used by vascular surgery, head and neck surgery, general surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60600 used?
Performed for symptomatic carotid body tumors or when malignant potential is a concern. Technically challenging due to intimacy with carotid bifurcation; risk of carotid injury, stroke, or cranial 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.