Practice Quiz

Medical Coding

Category - 50,000 Series

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A 61-year-old patient with thyroid cancer received a right thyroid lobectomy via a transverse cervical incision. Superior and inferior thyroid vessels were severed in order to remove the thyroid lobe and the isthmus was severed and resected. How should you code for this service?
  1. 60220
  2. 60220 -50
  3. 60225
  4. 60240
Explanation
Answer: A - The correct code for this service is 60220 (Total Thyroid Lobectomy, Unilateral; With or Without Isthmusectomy). The modifier -50 should not be included on the claim because the procedure was only performed on the right side and mod-50 indicates that it was a bilateral procedure. Code 60240 is also incorrect because it is used for a total or complete thyroidectomy not just a lobe of the thyroid.
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