CPT® Code 60512

Add-On Code

Parathyroid autotransplantation is a surgical procedure performed when all parathyroid glands need to be removed, typically due to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid adenomas. The parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland, play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by secreting parathyroid hormone. When blood calcium levels drop, these glands release the hormone to restore balance, and they cease secretion when levels normalize. In cases where one or more parathyroid glands are enlarged, indicating potential adenomas, a surgical exploration is conducted to excise the affected glands. If the surgical procedure necessitates the removal of all four parathyroid glands, the surgeon will perform a parathyroid autotransplantation to preserve parathyroid function. This involves taking small pieces of normal parathyroid tissue and implanting them into a muscle, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle or a muscle in the forearm, to maintain hormonal regulation of calcium levels post-surgery. The procedure is reported separately in addition to the primary surgical procedure code for the exploration and excision of the parathyroid glands.