THYROID GLAND PROCEDURES AND CODING Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the primary functions of the thyroid gland?
Control how the body converts food into energy, maintain heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
The thyroid gland produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to perform these functions.
What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Calcitonin
Calcitonin helps stimulate bone cells to add calcium to bones.
What are common diseases or conditions that require procedures on the thyroid gland?
Nodules, Goiters, Neoplasms
These conditions can be present with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
List some procedures performed on the thyroid gland.
- Aspiration
- Biopsy
- Excision
- Thyroidectomy
- Autotransplantation
Procedures vary based on the condition being treated.
What code is reported when a thyroid cyst is aspirated?
60300
This code is used when the cyst does not require excision or when excisional procedures are contraindicated.
What does code 60100 represent?
Biopsy of the thyroid
During a biopsy, a needle is used to remove tissue from the thyroid gland for pathologic analysis.
What types of excisional procedures are performed on the thyroid?
- Adenoma
- Thyroglossal duct
- Partial lobectomy
- Total lobectomy
These procedures involve the removal of thyroid tissue.
What are the types of thyroidectomies?
- Total thyroidectomy
- Subtotal thyroidectomy
- Removal of remaining thyroid tissue
These procedures can vary in extent based on the patient’s condition.
What approaches can be used to reach the thyroid gland for procedures?
- Sternal split or transthoracic approach
- Cervical approach
The choice of approach may depend on the specific procedure being performed.
What is the function of the parathyroid glands?
Regulate calcium in the body
The parathyroid glands play a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis.
What add-on code is reported when part or all of the thyroid is removed and the parathyroid glands are left in place?
60512
This code is used when the parathyroid glands are not removed during a thyroid procedure.
What happens to the parathyroid glands if they cannot be left in place during a thyroid excision?
They are dissected out and one half of one parathyroid gland is implanted back into the patient’s sternocleidomastoid muscle
This is done to maintain parathyroid function post-surgery.
True or False: The thyroid gland is located in the neck just below the larynx.
True
The thyroid gland consists of two connected lobes.
Fill in the blank: The thyroid gland consists of two connected ______.
lobes
This structure is essential for its function.
