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The procedure described by CPT® Code 60000 refers to the incision and drainage of an infected thyroglossal duct cyst. The thyroglossal duct is a structure that is present during fetal development, facilitating the descent of the thyroid gland from the base of the tongue to its final anatomical position in the neck. Typically, this duct disappears after the thyroid gland has settled into place. However, in some individuals, remnants of the thyroglossal duct persist, resulting in the formation of cystic cavities in the neck. These cysts can accumulate fluid or mucus, leading to infection and subsequent swelling in the neck area. During the procedure, the physician palpates the enlarged area to identify the site of greatest fluctuance, which indicates the presence of fluid within the cyst. An incision is then made over this area to access the cyst cavity, allowing for drainage of the infected material. Blunt finger dissection may be employed to break up any loculations within the cyst, ensuring complete drainage. In some cases, the cyst cavity may be packed with gauze or a drain may be placed to facilitate further drainage. It is important to note that incision and drainage is not commonly performed due to the potential for scarring, which can complicate future infections. Instead, the preferred treatment options typically include antibiotic therapy and surgical excision of the cyst to prevent recurrence and complications.
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The procedure of incision and drainage of a thyroglossal duct cyst is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where the cyst becomes infected. The following conditions warrant this procedure:
The procedure for incision and drainage of a thyroglossal duct cyst involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the infection. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the incision and drainage procedure, the patient may require specific post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and recovery. It is essential to monitor the incision site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing. In some cases, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to address any underlying infection. It is important to note that due to the potential for scarring, which can complicate future infections, the procedure is not commonly performed, and alternative treatments such as antibiotic therapy and cyst excision may be recommended.
| Short Descr | DRAIN THYROID/TONGUE CYST | Medium Descr | I&D THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CYST INFECTED | Long Descr | Incision and drainage of thyroglossal duct cyst, infected | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 12 - Other therapeutic endocrine procedures |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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