Alcohol Ablation For Thyroid: Is It Covered By Insurance?

Percutaneous alcohol ablation, also known as ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), is a procedure used to treat thyroid cancer or nodules. It involves injecting a concentrated ethanol alcohol solution into the neck to cut off the blood supply to malignant cells, causing them to die. As of 2025, this procedure has been assigned Category 1 CPT codes 60660 and 60661, which streamline the reimbursement process and indicate its acceptance as a standard medical procedure. However, insurance coverage depends on various factors, including medical necessity, specific plans, and payer criteria. While some insurance companies provide reimbursement, coverage criteria and prior authorization requirements vary, and it is recommended to consult with insurance providers for specific details.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is covered by insurance as of 2025

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including tumors, varicose veins, cardiac issues, and sleep apnea. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that has a quick return to activities, a high success rate, and preserves healthy tissue.

As of 2025, RFA is covered by insurance, including Medicare and private insurance plans. However, coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan and the specific case. For example, Medicare recipients may receive coverage for RFA if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by a physician, while private insurance plans may have different requirements for coverage. In general, it is important to consult with a doctor and insurer to understand the specific coverage options available.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has established specific CPT codes for RFA of the thyroid, indicating its acceptance as a standard medical procedure. These CPT codes streamline the billing, communication, and processing of insurance claims, making it easier for patients to seek coverage. The CPT code for RFA of the thyroid is 60660, and it may be used by Medicare and qualifying insurance plans to cover the treatment.

It is worth noting that, in some cases, patients may require preauthorization to receive coverage for RFA. This involves providing documented proof from a physician that the procedure is medically necessary. Working with reimbursement specialists can also help ensure that patients can afford their care.

While RFA is now covered by insurance, it is important to stay informed about any changes or updates to insurance policies and coverage criteria. Consulting with insurance providers and reimbursement teams can help patients understand their specific coverage options and ensure access to this safe and effective treatment.

RFA is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. It is a procedure that uses heat to destroy tissue and can be used to treat thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. RFA is performed using methods that access the body with minimal damage or disruption to the skin and tissues. This means that, compared to traditional surgery, RFA carries a lower risk of infection and other complications, reduces hospital stay duration, lessens pain, and shortens recovery time.

RFA is considered for long-term pain conditions involving the spine after other methods, such as pain medication and physical therapy, have proven unsuccessful. The procedure can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints. It can also be used to treat tumours and heart rhythm problems.

In the context of thyroid treatment, RFA is a promising technology that can offer patients a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Thyroid RFA treats thyroid nodules without the need for an open surgical incision. This means that, unlike thyroid surgery, RFA is less likely to impact thyroid function and leaves no scars. Patients can typically expect at least a 50% reduction in nodule size over several months.

Another minimally invasive alternative to surgery for treating thyroid cancer is alcohol ablation, also known as ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). This procedure involves injecting a concentrated alcohol solution into the neck to cut off the blood supply to malignant cells, causing them to die.

RFA cost varies from $5,000 to $20,000 out of pocket

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for thyroid cancer. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist injects a concentrated alcohol solution into the neck to eliminate cancerous cells. RFA is a safe and effective treatment option, with a quick return to activities and a high success rate.

As of 2025, RFA for thyroid nodules has been assigned a Category 1 CPT code of 60660. This means that Medicare and qualifying insurance plans will cover the treatment. However, the extent of coverage depends on the insurance plan and the specific case. Some insurance companies may require pre-authorization to receive coverage, which is documented proof from a physician that the procedure is medically necessary.

The cost of RFA varies significantly, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. The cost depends on various factors, including the cost of living in the geographical area, the specific office or surgical center, the experience level of the clinician, the number of thyroid nodules, and the size and complexity of the nodules. Patients can consult their thyroid doctor to discuss payment plans and patient assistance programs to make the procedure more affordable.

Ethanol ablation (EA) is not covered by Aetna insurance

Ethanol ablation (EA) is a newer procedure that can be used to treat thyroid cancer. During the procedure, a doctor will inject a concentrated ethanol alcohol solution into the neck to cut off the blood supply to any malignant cells in the neck lymph nodes, causing them to die. EA is considered a minimally invasive surgical option for patients with recurrent well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WTC).

Aetna considers ethanol ablation medically necessary for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. However, Aetna considers percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of thyroid cancer experimental, investigational, or unproven because the effectiveness of this approach has not been established. As such, ethanol ablation (EA) is not covered by Aetna insurance.

In 2006, Monchik and colleagues evaluated the long-term effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of patients with local recurrence or focal distant metastases of WTC. A total of 20 patients underwent treatment, 16 of whom had lesions treated by RFA, while 6 had ethanol injection treatment. The authors concluded that RFA and ethanol ablation show promise as alternatives to surgical treatment for recurrent WTC in patients with difficult re-operations.

In another study, ethanol injection was found to significantly reduce thyroid cyst volume, with an 89% success rate in 9 patients. The treatment was well-tolerated with no major side effects. Guenette et al. (2013) also evaluated the clinical outcomes of percutaneous RF ablation and ethanol injection as salvage therapy for loco-regional recurrence after resection of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

EA is a less invasive procedure than surgery

Effective January 1st, 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) established two CPT codes (60660 and 60661) to report percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the thyroid. This indicates that percutaneous alcohol ablation for thyroid is now recognised as a standard medical procedure.

Currently, the following insurance companies provide reimbursement for this treatment:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield plans
• Thyroid RFA (covered under CPT codes 60660 and 60661)

Coverage criteria and prior authorisation requirements may vary by payer, so it is recommended to contact your local payer or the reimbursement team of the medical institution for specific coverage criteria.

EA, or ethanol ablation, is a less invasive procedure than traditional thyroid surgery. It is a newer procedure that can be used to treat recurrent thyroid cancer, particularly in patients with recurrent well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WTC). During EA, an interventional radiologist injects a concentrated ethanol alcohol solution into the neck under imaging guidance. This cuts off the blood supply to any malignant cells in the neck lymph nodes, causing them to die.

The most common side effect of EA is a sore neck, and most patients only require a one-night hospital stay. Patients can typically return to their normal activities once they return home. In comparison, traditional thyroid surgery involves the removal of the thyroid gland, which can result in a longer recovery period and potential risks such as hormone therapy due to the removal of this important gland.

In recent years, minimally invasive thyroid surgeries have become more popular. These techniques include robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches such as MIVAT, BABA-ET, BABA-RT, TOETVA, RA-ET, RA-RT, GTET, and RATS. These procedures aim to avoid visible neck scars and have been shown to be safe and effective.

EA, as a less invasive procedure, offers a promising alternative to surgery for the treatment of recurrent WTC, especially in patients with difficult re-operations. It provides a safe and effective treatment option with a reduced risk of complications when compared to more invasive surgical procedures.

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