Effective Jan. 1, 2025, two new CPT codes will be available for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules.
In January 2024, the American Medical Association (AMA) RVS Update Committee (RUC) surveyed two new reporting codes for valuation: 60660 for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules and 60661 as an add-on code for additional nodule(s). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to accept the RUC’s recommended values in the proposed CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which was published for public comment in July 2024. On November 1, CMS released the CY 2025 MPFS Final Rule, which finalized these codes’ valuations as proposed. CMS also released a fact sheet to provide high-level information regarding changes to Medicare payments under the new physician fee schedule and other Medicare Part B policies, effective on or after January 1, 2025.
For CPT code 60660 (ablation of one or more thyroid nodule(s), one lobe or the isthmus, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, radiofrequency), CMS accepted the RUC-recommended work RVU of 5.75. For add-on code CPT 60661 (ablation of one or more thyroid nodule(s), additional lobe, percutaneous, with imaging guidance, radiofrequency [list separately in addition to code for primary service]), CMS accepted the RUC-recommended work RVU of 4.25. CMS also accepted the RUC-recommended direct practice expense values for both codes 60660 and 60661.
CMS directed that these codes be used only once for the treatment of nodules in the respective ipsilateral and contralateral lobes, irrespective of how many nodules in each lobe are treated or how many radiofrequency treatments are needed during that treatment session for the nodules. This is different, for example, from codes 10005 and 10006 for ultrasound-guided biopsy of the thyroid for first and subsequent lesions. The AAO-HNS CPT advisory team commented on this limitation to the AMA CPT panel.
Additional information and resources regarding the above codes, as well as other key provisions impacting otolaryngology, will be shared with Academy members after careful review of the Final Rule by AAO-HNS physician leaders and staff.
More information can be accessed as part of the Academy’s Coding Corner. The Coding Corner is a valuable resource available to AAO-HNS members that includes CPT for ENT articles, annual code change summaries, and ICD-10 coding resources.
