60605 Remove carotid body lesion
Also known as: carotid body tumor excision with reconstruction, glomus tumor excision with vascular repair
Surgical removal of carotid body tumor with vascular reconstruction or repair of the carotid artery, performed when tumor involves or requires management of carotid vasculature.
In Plain Language
removal of carotid tumor with artery repair; complex neck artery tumor surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for larger carotid body tumors, Shamblin class III lesions, or tumors with significant vascular involvement. Vascular reconstruction may include primary repair, patch angioplasty, or vein graft depending on extent of involvement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 31.16 |
| Total RVU | 31.16 |
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 31.16, this code ranks in the 93rd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 60605?
CPT 60605 (Remove carotid body lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of carotid body tumor with vascular reconstruction or repair of the carotid artery, performed when tumor involves or requires management of carotid vasculature.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 60605?
The work RVU for CPT 60605 is 31.16. This code is primarily used by vascular surgery, head and neck surgery, general surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 60605 used?
Performed for larger carotid body tumors, Shamblin class III lesions, or tumors with significant vascular involvement. Vascular reconstruction may include primary repair, patch angioplasty, or vein graft depending on extent of involvement.
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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.