A patient with a carotid body tumor and inflammation around the carotid body has had an ultrasound and MRI with imaging that indicates a larger amount of inflammation than normal in this area. His surgeon elects to undergo laparoscopy of this area to obtain more information before scheduling surgery to remove the tumor, to better prepare for whether the carotid artery will have to be excised as well. The patient is scheduled for surgical laparoscopy to explore the carotid body. What is the correct CPT code for this procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

60659 is the correct code for an unlisted laparoscopic procedure involving the endocrine system.
Code 60600 is incorrect because this code is for excision of the carotid body tumor without carotid artery excision. Code 60605 is incorrect because this code is for excision of both the carotid body tumor and the carotid artery. Code 60699 is incorrect because there is a specific "unlisted" laparoscopic procedure code for the endocrine system

A Patient with a Carotid Body Tumor and Inflammation Around