CPT
62323 — Lumbar/sacral epidural; diagnostic or therapeutic, imaging guidance
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
ENT
60500 — Parathyroidectomy or exploration of parathyroid gland
This code covers parathyroidectomy — the surgical removal of one or more overactive parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck near the thyroid.
- Typical setting: Hospital OR, ENT clinic
- National avg charge (illustrative): $1,100-$2,200 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee (total hospital charges: $12,000-$30,000+)
- Most-disputed reason: Billing for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under the wrong code: focused or minimally invasive parathyroidectomy may have distinct coding (60512) — verify which code is correct based on operative approach
What it means
What 60500 actually means
This code covers parathyroidectomy — the surgical removal of one or more overactive parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck near the thyroid. This surgery is typically performed for primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition that causes elevated calcium levels. It carries a 90-day global period.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under the wrong code: focused or minimally invasive parathyroidectomy may have distinct coding (60512) — verify which code is correct based on operative approach
- Intraoperative PTH monitoring: billing separately for intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (84244) — this may or may not be bundled depending on payer policy
- Thyroid resection unbundling: if concurrent thyroid surgery was performed, it may be separately billable with appropriate modifiers, but must be documented as a distinct necessary procedure
If you see 60500 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 60500 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
64483 — Epidural injection, lumbar/sacral, single level
Common procedure with frequent coding errors around bilateral and fluoroscopy.
CPT
64493 — Paravertebral facet joint/nerve, lumbar or sacral; single level
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
66984 — Extracapsular cataract removal with intraocular lens prosthesis, one stage
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
69210 — Removal of impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, one or both ears
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 60500 on a bill.
60500 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 60500 usually cost?
$1,100-$2,200 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee (total hospital charges: $12,000-$30,000+). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 60500?
Billing for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under the wrong code: focused or minimally invasive parathyroidectomy may have distinct coding (60512) — verify which code is correct based on operative approach
What should I do if I see 60500 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 60500 before paying.
Don't pay 60500 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.