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The procedure described by CPT® Code 60605 involves the excision of a carotid body tumor, which is a benign neoplasm arising from the paraganglionic cells known as glomus tissue. These carotid bodies are strategically located at the bifurcation of the common carotid arteries, where they play a critical role in monitoring arterial blood composition, particularly in detecting variations in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. When such changes occur, the carotid bodies trigger autonomic responses that adjust respiratory and heart rates to maintain homeostasis. The surgical intervention requires a careful incision in the neck, specifically over the area where the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. During the procedure, vessel loops are employed to manage blood flow by controlling the proximal and distal blood vessels, ensuring a clear surgical field. The surgeon meticulously dissects the tumor from the common carotid artery and the surrounding tissues, extending the dissection superiorly while safeguarding the internal carotid artery. The excision is completed once the tumor is fully detached from all its attachments. It is important to note that CPT® Code 60605 is specifically used when a portion of the carotid artery is excised in conjunction with the tumor removal, distinguishing it from CPT® Code 60600, which is applicable when the tumor is excised without any involvement of the carotid artery.
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The excision of a carotid body tumor, as described by CPT® Code 60605, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for excising a carotid body tumor with excision of the carotid artery involves several critical steps:
After the excision of the carotid body tumor, patients are typically monitored for any complications related to the surgery. Post-procedure care may include managing pain, monitoring for signs of bleeding, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may also require follow-up imaging studies to confirm the complete removal of the tumor and assess the integrity of the carotid arteries. Recovery time can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health, but close observation is essential to address any potential complications promptly.
| Short Descr | REMOVE CAROTID BODY LESION | Medium Descr | EXC CAROTID BODY TUMOR W EXC CAROTID ARTERY | Long Descr | Excision of carotid body tumor; with excision of carotid artery | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 59 - Other OR procedures on vessels of head and neck |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 62 | Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2014-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor Changed. Changed W/O to W per AMA 2014 corrections document posted 2014-03-24 |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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