Lobectomy with Substernal Component

Question:

I have a coding question that I'm hoping you can help me out with. If a doctor removes only one lobe of the thyroid and also includes the substernal component, should 60271 or 60220-22 be used? Thank you!

Answer:

Unless a sternal split is performed, report 60220 for a thyroid lobectomy. Code 60271 request splitting the sternum. If documentation supports significant additional work, modifier 22 may be append to 60220.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/04/25.