Everything Healthcare Professionals Need to Know About the New Thyroid Ablation CPT Code for 2025
Since January 1, 2025, healthcare professionals have access to two brand-new CPT® codes for reporting radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of thyroid nodules. In particular, this update focuses on improving the efficiency, accessibility, and precision of thyroid condition treatments. 1
If you’re navigating thyroid care as a clinician, billing specialist, or administrator, this blog post will help you to understand 1.) exactly what the new codes mean, 2.) how they'll impact your practice, and 3.) what it takes to get ready.
What Is Thyroid Ablation?
Thyroid ablation, particularly radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat thyroid nodules without the need for traditional surgery or radioactive iodine.
Here's how it works: during the procedure, a small needle electrode is inserted into the thyroid nodules using ultrasound guidance. Heat is then generated by radiofrequency waves destroying the targeted thyroid tissue. This technique is especially useful for patients with benign thyroid nodules, causing symptoms like pressure or cosmetic concerns. 2 A faster and less invasive alternative with shorter recovery times, RFA has increasingly become a popular choice with healthcare providers. 3 4
Until now, however, the lack of dedicated CPT codes for thyroid RFA made billing and insurance coverage more challenging. These new codes are set to streamline these processes, bringing structure and clarity while also solidifying thyroid RFA as a standard treatment option.
Meet the New Thyroid Ablation CPT Codes
On January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented two new CPT codes specifically for thyroid nodule ablation. These are:
Why These Codes Are a Big Deal
These CPT codes are more than just numbers, but rather, represent a milestone for thyroid care. By having standardized reporting options, healthcare professionals can bill for thyroid RFA with confidence in accuracy and consistency. Insurers also gain clearer guidelines, which could expand coverage and significantly lower financial obstacles for patients.
For providers, this means a smoother workflow, broader adoption of RFA, and an elevated opportunity to offer patients cutting-edge care.
What You Need to Know
Valuation and Work RVUs
Each of the new CPT codes is assigned Relative Value Units (RVUs), reflecting the expertise and effort required.
Usage Guidelines
The codes are designed to be used only once for each respective lobe or the isthmus, regardless of how many nodules in each lobe are treated or how many treatments are necessary during the session. This is a critical distinction compared to other procedures, such as thyroid biopsy, which use separate codes for each lesion. 1
What This Means for Insurance Coverage
With the introduction of CPT 60660 and 60661, providers can expect improvements in insurance coverage and reimbursement for thyroid RFA. Medicare and qualifying insurance plans will recognize these codes, making it easier for patients to access care without significant financial barriers. 5
The Bigger Picture for Thyroid RFA
The recognition of thyroid RFA with its own CPT codes underscores its growing importance in thyroid care. In fact, studies continue to validate its safety and impact in treating benign nodules.
For example, numerous studies have highlighted how RFA can serve to dramatically reduce the volume of benign nonfunctioning nodules by 50-85%. 6
Such findings reinforce the fact that thyroid RFA offers a powerful alternative to thyroidectomy or other traditional treatments....and with a CPT code designation in place, it’s now positioned to reach more patients than ever.
How to Make the Most of These CPT Codes
Preparation is everything. Here’s how to take advantage of these new codes.
1. Engage and Educate Your Team
Ensure that your coding and billing teams, as well as clinical staff, are familiar with the new CPT codes and their specific usage guidelines.
2. Update Your Systems
Update your practice management software to include the new codes. This will help avoid any disruptions in billing workflows once they are introduced.
3. Talk to Your Insurance Partners
Proactively connect with insurers to clarify their reimbursement plans for these codes and any specific policies they’ll enforce.
4. Bring Referring Clinicians on Board
Educate referring physicians about the new codes and the benefits of thyroid RFA to ensure they have the information needed to discuss this option with their patients.
5. Connect with CIVCO
CIVCO Medical Solution’s vision is to make image-guided procedures safer. For thyroid RFA, which is typically performed under ultrasound imaging, CIVCO offers multiple products enable clinicians to provide safer outcome. From our revolutionary Envision gel-free ultrasound probe covers to our tried and tested needle guidance products, CIVCO is dedicated to helping you maximize the usage of these new CPT codes.
The Future of Thyroid Care
The introduction of CPT codes for thyroid RFA marks an important milestone in thyroid care. By establishing dedicated codes, the AMA and CMS have enhanced the accessibility and standardization of this procedure, ultimately benefiting patients and providers alike.
Healthcare professionals who adopt these codes and integrate thyroid RFA into their practices can offer cutting-edge care with fewer barriers to entry for patients. With insurance coverage improvements and increasing recognition of RFA’s efficacy, the procedure is poised to become a standard option for treating thyroid nodules, one that safely, effectively and efficiently improves patient outcomes.
References:
#1: Two New CPT Codes Available for Reporting in 2025: https://bulletin.entnet.org/business-of-medicine-practice-management/article/22925883/two-new-cpt-codes-available-for-reporting-in-2025
#2: UCLA Health – Endocrine Surgery: UCLA Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Program: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/conditions-treated/thyroid/ucla-thyroid-radiofrequency-ablation-program
#3: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Benign Thyroid Nodules: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): https://cinj.org/minimally-invasive-solution-benign-thyroid-nodules-radiofrequency-ablation-rfa#:~:text=Thyroid%20RFA%20offers%20several%20advantages,of%20life%20for%20many%20patients.%E2%80%9D
#4: Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.220021
#5: Insurance Coverage for Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation https://rfaforlife.com/cpt-codes-for-thyroid-nodule-radiofrequency-ablation/
#6: Update of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules. The Future is Now. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8264548/
COPYRIGHT © 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CIVCO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECIVE OWNERS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. PRINTED IN USA. 2025M-3423 REV. 1
If you’re navigating thyroid care as a clinician, billing specialist, or administrator, this blog post will help you to understand 1.) exactly what the new codes mean, 2.) how they'll impact your practice, and 3.) what it takes to get ready.
What Is Thyroid Ablation?
Thyroid ablation, particularly radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat thyroid nodules without the need for traditional surgery or radioactive iodine.Here's how it works: during the procedure, a small needle electrode is inserted into the thyroid nodules using ultrasound guidance. Heat is then generated by radiofrequency waves destroying the targeted thyroid tissue. This technique is especially useful for patients with benign thyroid nodules, causing symptoms like pressure or cosmetic concerns. 2 A faster and less invasive alternative with shorter recovery times, RFA has increasingly become a popular choice with healthcare providers. 3 4
Until now, however, the lack of dedicated CPT codes for thyroid RFA made billing and insurance coverage more challenging. These new codes are set to streamline these processes, bringing structure and clarity while also solidifying thyroid RFA as a standard treatment option.
Meet the New Thyroid Ablation CPT Codes
On January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented two new CPT codes specifically for thyroid nodule ablation. These are:
- 60660: Covers ablation for one or more thyroid nodules, focusing on an individual lobe or the isthmus, performed percutaneously and guided by imaging.
- 60661: This add-on code extends the procedure to the additional lobe and must be paired with 60660.
Why These Codes Are a Big Deal
These CPT codes are more than just numbers, but rather, represent a milestone for thyroid care. By having standardized reporting options, healthcare professionals can bill for thyroid RFA with confidence in accuracy and consistency. Insurers also gain clearer guidelines, which could expand coverage and significantly lower financial obstacles for patients.For providers, this means a smoother workflow, broader adoption of RFA, and an elevated opportunity to offer patients cutting-edge care.
What You Need to Know
Valuation and Work RVUs
Each of the new CPT codes is assigned Relative Value Units (RVUs), reflecting the expertise and effort required.
- 60660: 5.75 work RVUs
- 60661: 4.25 work RVUs 1
Usage Guidelines
The codes are designed to be used only once for each respective lobe or the isthmus, regardless of how many nodules in each lobe are treated or how many treatments are necessary during the session. This is a critical distinction compared to other procedures, such as thyroid biopsy, which use separate codes for each lesion. 1
What This Means for Insurance Coverage
With the introduction of CPT 60660 and 60661, providers can expect improvements in insurance coverage and reimbursement for thyroid RFA. Medicare and qualifying insurance plans will recognize these codes, making it easier for patients to access care without significant financial barriers. 5
The Bigger Picture for Thyroid RFA
The recognition of thyroid RFA with its own CPT codes underscores its growing importance in thyroid care. In fact, studies continue to validate its safety and impact in treating benign nodules.For example, numerous studies have highlighted how RFA can serve to dramatically reduce the volume of benign nonfunctioning nodules by 50-85%. 6
Such findings reinforce the fact that thyroid RFA offers a powerful alternative to thyroidectomy or other traditional treatments....and with a CPT code designation in place, it’s now positioned to reach more patients than ever.
How to Make the Most of These CPT Codes
Preparation is everything. Here’s how to take advantage of these new codes.
1. Engage and Educate Your Team
Ensure that your coding and billing teams, as well as clinical staff, are familiar with the new CPT codes and their specific usage guidelines.
2. Update Your Systems
Update your practice management software to include the new codes. This will help avoid any disruptions in billing workflows once they are introduced.
3. Talk to Your Insurance Partners
Proactively connect with insurers to clarify their reimbursement plans for these codes and any specific policies they’ll enforce.
4. Bring Referring Clinicians on Board
Educate referring physicians about the new codes and the benefits of thyroid RFA to ensure they have the information needed to discuss this option with their patients.
5. Connect with CIVCO
CIVCO Medical Solution’s vision is to make image-guided procedures safer. For thyroid RFA, which is typically performed under ultrasound imaging, CIVCO offers multiple products enable clinicians to provide safer outcome. From our revolutionary Envision gel-free ultrasound probe covers to our tried and tested needle guidance products, CIVCO is dedicated to helping you maximize the usage of these new CPT codes.
The Future of Thyroid Care
The introduction of CPT codes for thyroid RFA marks an important milestone in thyroid care. By establishing dedicated codes, the AMA and CMS have enhanced the accessibility and standardization of this procedure, ultimately benefiting patients and providers alike.
Healthcare professionals who adopt these codes and integrate thyroid RFA into their practices can offer cutting-edge care with fewer barriers to entry for patients. With insurance coverage improvements and increasing recognition of RFA’s efficacy, the procedure is poised to become a standard option for treating thyroid nodules, one that safely, effectively and efficiently improves patient outcomes.
References:
#1: Two New CPT Codes Available for Reporting in 2025: https://bulletin.entnet.org/business-of-medicine-practice-management/article/22925883/two-new-cpt-codes-available-for-reporting-in-2025
#2: UCLA Health – Endocrine Surgery: UCLA Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Program: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/conditions-treated/thyroid/ucla-thyroid-radiofrequency-ablation-program
#3: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Benign Thyroid Nodules: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): https://cinj.org/minimally-invasive-solution-benign-thyroid-nodules-radiofrequency-ablation-rfa#:~:text=Thyroid%20RFA%20offers%20several%20advantages,of%20life%20for%20many%20patients.%E2%80%9D
#4: Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.220021
#5: Insurance Coverage for Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation https://rfaforlife.com/cpt-codes-for-thyroid-nodule-radiofrequency-ablation/
#6: Update of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules. The Future is Now. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8264548/
COPYRIGHT © 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CIVCO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECIVE OWNERS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. PRINTED IN USA. 2025M-3423 REV. 1
