Reimbursement Information Not Available in Clinical Guidelines
The provided evidence does not contain information about average reimbursement rates for in-office radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules. The clinical guidelines and research studies focus on technical aspects, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness analyses rather than specific reimbursement data.
What the Evidence Does Show About Costs
Cost comparison studies demonstrate that RFA is less expensive than surgery from a direct cost perspective, but these are institutional costs, not reimbursement rates.
Direct Cost Data (Not Reimbursement)
A 2023 time-driven activity-based costing analysis found the total direct cost for in-office thyroid RFA was $8,726.38 compared to $19,229.75 for thyroid lobectomy 1
A 2021 Brazilian study showed radiofrequency ablation represented 76% of the cost of partial thyroidectomy from an institutional perspective 2
The 2023 cost-effectiveness model assumed an RFA cost of $5,000 as a baseline estimate, though this was a modeling assumption rather than actual reimbursement data 3
Key Limitation
None of these studies report actual Medicare or private insurance reimbursement rates for CPT codes associated with thyroid RFA. The figures represent institutional costs (what it costs the facility to perform) rather than what payers reimburse 1, 3.
Where to Find Actual Reimbursement Information
To determine average reimbursement for thyroid RFA, you would need to:
- Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the relevant CPT code(s)
- Review your specific payer contracts and fee schedules
- Contact your billing department or practice management for regional reimbursement data
- Review the American Medical Association CPT coding guidelines for thyroid ablation procedures
The clinical evidence provided focuses on patient outcomes, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness from a healthcare system perspective rather than billing and reimbursement specifics 4.