Find comprehensive information on thyroidectomy diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10-CM, CPT), postoperative care, and healthcare resources. Learn about the different types of thyroidectomies, potential complications, and recovery process. This resource is designed for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and patients seeking detailed information on thyroidectomy procedures and diagnosis management.
Also known as
Operations on thyroid gland
Procedures performed directly on the thyroid gland.
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
Conditions affecting hormone production, metabolism, and nutrition, which may necessitate thyroidectomy.
Malignant neoplasms of thyroid gland
Thyroid cancers frequently require surgical removal or thyroidectomy.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the thyroidectomy partial or total?
Partial
Any complications?
Total
Any complications?
Other (Radical/Completion)
Radical?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Thyroidectomy |
| Thyroid Nodule |
| Hypothyroidism |
Coding lacks specificity for open, endoscopic, or transaxillary approach, impacting reimbursement and quality data.
Inaccurate coding distinguishing partial vs. total thyroidectomy leads to incorrect DRG assignment and claims errors.
Failure to document and code concurrent lymph node excision during thyroidectomy understates severity and resource utilization.
Q: What are the most effective strategies for minimizing hypocalcemia risk after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer?
A: Hypocalcemia is a common complication following total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer due to the potential for inadvertent parathyroid gland removal or damage. Strategies to minimize this risk include meticulous surgical technique with identification and preservation of all parathyroid glands, intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring to assess gland function, and early postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation as needed. Preoperative localization studies like sestamibi scans and ultrasound can help identify the location of parathyroid glands before surgery. Consider implementing routine postoperative calcium monitoring protocols and explore how individualized calcium and vitamin D regimens based on PTH levels can optimize patient outcomes. Learn more about the latest guidelines for parathyroid gland management during thyroidectomy.
Q: How do I differentiate between benign thyroid nodules requiring lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy in the context of preoperative fine-needle aspiration (FNA) findings?
A: The decision between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules is complex and relies on a combination of FNA cytology, ultrasound characteristics, patient factors, and molecular testing when indicated. While Bethesda II (benign) FNA typically warrants lobectomy, certain factors may favor total thyroidectomy even with benign cytology. These include a history of radiation exposure, family history of thyroid cancer, multifocality, presence of contralateral nodules, or patient preference for complete removal. Bethesda III (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance) and IV (follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm) usually require at least a lobectomy, with total thyroidectomy often recommended based on molecular testing and final surgical pathology. Explore how the American Thyroid Association guidelines address the management of different FNA categories and consider implementing a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making with endocrinologists, surgeons, and pathologists to ensure personalized treatment plans.
Patient presents with a diagnosis of thyroid disorder requiring thyroidectomy. Presenting symptoms include [Specify symptoms e.g., palpable thyroid nodule, dysphagia, dysphonia, neck swelling, compressive symptoms, hyperthyroidism symptoms such as palpitations, heat intolerance, weight loss, or hypothyroidism symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain]. Relevant medical history includes [Specify medical history e.g., family history of thyroid cancer, history of radiation exposure, previous thyroid biopsy results, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, goiter]. Physical examination reveals [Specify physical exam findings e.g., size and consistency of the thyroid gland, presence of lymphadenopathy, vocal cord function assessment]. Preoperative evaluation includes thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3), thyroid ultrasound, and potentially a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical intervention is indicated for [Specify indication e.g., suspected or confirmed thyroid cancer, symptomatic benign thyroid nodule, compressive symptoms]. The procedure will involve [Specify type of thyroidectomy e.g., total thyroidectomy, partial thyroidectomy, completion thyroidectomy] with possible central neck dissection if indicated. Risks and benefits of the procedure, including potential complications such as hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and bleeding, were discussed with the patient. Informed consent was obtained. Postoperative management will include monitoring for complications, thyroid hormone replacement therapy as needed, and follow-up with endocrinology. ICD-10 code[s] [Specify ICD-10 code(s) e.g., E01.8, E01.9, E05.9, C73, D34] and CPT code[s] [Specify CPT code(s) e.g., 60210, 60220, 60225, 60240, 60252, 60254] are applicable based on the specific procedure performed.