Total Thyroidectomy and Reimplantation of Parathyroids

Question:

My doctor did a total thyroidectomy and reimplanted one of the parathyroid glands into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Can I code 60512 in addition to 60240?

Answer:

CPT 60240 for the total thyroidectomy is correct. However, if one or more of the parathyroid glands is reimplanted in the same surgical exposure (e.g., SCM muscle) then it is not accurate to separately code +60512. The reimplantation should be done through a separate surgical approach/incision for +60512.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/25/17.