The Clear Choice
For Innovative Care
The Clear Choice
For Innovative Care
Save the Thyroid
RFA shrinks nodules while keeping thyroid function
The study of hormones, which are produced by glands, as well as the study of metabolism.
Diabetes is a complex and evolving condition that affects every part of the body and every aspect of a person’s life.
The thyroid gland is kind of like the body’s “gas pedal.” A hyper-thyroid revs the body up, and a hypo-thyroid slows it down.
Today’s the day. We can give you the tools to succeed. Start a customized integrative weight loss plan now.
Click here for more education materials including video resources and information you may find helpful.
The Clear Choice
For Innovative Care
The Clear Choice
For Innovative Care
Save the Thyroid
RFA shrinks nodules while keeping thyroid function
Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology (AIDENDO)
How Long Has Dr. VanDyke Been in Practice?
Dr. VanDyke graduated medical college in 2013, completed Internal Medicine residency in 2016, and finished her fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism in 2018. She founded the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology (AIDENDO) in January 2021.
What Makes the Advanced Institute Different from Other Practices?
AIDENDO is a Hybrid Specialty Care Practice, blending direct care and Medicare-based care. We answer to our patients—not insurance companies—so you get unrushed, detailed visits (typically 60 minutes for new patients and 30-45 minutes for follow-ups). Our approach is integrative and comprehensive, addressing every aspect of metabolic health. We also offer clinical research opportunities, giving patients early access to innovative therapies at no cost, with compensation for time and travel.
What States Do You Serve with Telehealth?
We now provide secure, comprehensive telehealth visits for patients in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. No matter where you are in these states, you can access expert endocrinology and metabolic care from the comfort of your home. Most new patients are seen within two weeks, and our telehealth services include detailed consultations, remote patient monitoring (via the DiaDirect app), and ongoing support.
What Conditions Do You Treat?
We specialize in diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, PCOS, menopause, osteoporosis, and complex hormone disorders. Dr. VanDyke is among the first in the region to offer thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for benign thyroid nodules, with a complication rate of less than 1% and excellent patient-reported outcomes.
What is Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
RFA is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for benign thyroid nodules. It preserves thyroid function, avoids general anesthesia, and offers a faster recovery than surgery. Dr. VanDyke was the first endocrinologist in the mid-cities DFW area to offer RFA and remains a regional leader in advanced thyroid care. RFA shrinks nodules by 50-80% without a scar, and most patients report improvement in symptoms like pressure, hoarseness, or swallowing difficulty within days of the procedure.
What Are CPT Codes 60660 & 60661? How Do They Affect My Coverage?
As of January 1, 2025, Medicare recognizes CPT code 60660 for ablation of one thyroid nodule and 60661 for additional nodules treated the same day. This means RFA is now officially covered by Medicare, and many private insurers are expected to follow suit.
- For Medicare patients: You pay only your usual copay; AIDENDO bills Medicare directly.
- For other insurance: Coverage depends on your plan, but the existence of a specific code makes approval and reimbursement much more likely. We provide all paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurer.
How Much Does Thyroid RFA Cost? Will Insurance Cover It?
Historically, RFA was a cash-pay procedure, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per nodule, depending on location and complexity. Now, with CPT code 60660, Medicare covers the procedure (subject to copay), and private insurers are increasingly likely to do so. Out-of-pocket costs for insured patients are expected to drop significantly. We provide transparent pricing and help you understand your insurance and reimbursement options before treatment.
Why Is CPT Code 60660 a Game-Changer for Patients?
Medicare's approval of CPT code 60660 validates RFA as a safe, effective, and mainstream treatment—not an "experimental" or fringe procedure. Patients can now choose a minimally invasive option to treat benign thyroid nodules, preserve thyroid function, and avoid surgery, scarring, and lifelong medication in many cases.
What Are the Benefits of RFA Compared to Surgery?
- Minimally invasive: No general anesthesia, no visible scar
- Preserves thyroid function: Most patients avoid lifelong thyroid hormone therapy
- Quick recovery: Return to normal activities within days
- Lower complication rate: Less than 1% in experienced hands
- Covered by Medicare and, increasingly, private insurance
What If I Need Multiple Nodules Treated?
CPT code 60661 covers additional nodules treated in the same session, so coverage extends to complex cases as well.
How Does AIDENDO Support Patients Considering RFA?
We provide clear, upfront education about all treatment options, including RFA and surgery. For Medicare patients, we handle all billing. For others, we supply the necessary documentation for insurance reimbursement and offer transparent, bundled pricing. Our team ensures you understand every step of the process, from consultation to follow-up care.
Are There Any Misconceptions About RFA?
Yes. RFA is not experimental—it's a well-established, research-backed treatment used worldwide for decades and in the U.S. since 2018. At AIDENDO, we've performed RFA since 2021 with excellent results. Patients are often surprised how quickly symptoms improve and how easy recovery is compared to surgery.
What Follow-Up Care Is Provided After RFA?
Our RFA package includes your initial consult, the procedure, and follow-up visits at 1 week and 3 months. Most patients experience symptom relief within days, and we monitor your progress to ensure optimal results.
How Do I Know If I'm a Candidate for RFA?
If you have a benign thyroid nodule causing symptoms or cosmetic concerns, you may be eligible for RFA. We assess each case individually and discuss all options, empowering you to make the best choice for your health.
What Is the DiaDirect App and Remote Patient Monitoring?
DiaDirect is our proprietary platform for remote patient monitoring and chronic care management. It allows us to track your blood sugar and blood pressure between visits, ensuring timely adjustments and preventing complications—especially for Medicare patients. This approach has been shown to significantly improve diabetes outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.
What Is Direct Care? Is It More Expensive?
Direct Care means we work directly for you, not your insurance company. Many patients with high-deductible insurance find they can receive better care for less annual expense through our transparent pricing. Insurance is still important for labs, medications, equipment, and referrals. Our staff will provide a clear estimate for your total costs, including cash prices for labs if you're not using insurance.
What About Accessibility and Convenience?
AIDENDO is committed to accessibility:
- Telehealth: Available in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington, California, New Mexico, and Oregon
- In-person visits: Mansfield, TX clinic
- Wheelchair accessible
- Flexible scheduling: Most new patients seen within two weeks
- Integrated care: On-site and virtual collaboration with podiatry, bariatric surgery, dietitians, and more
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth in Endocrinology?
Telehealth expands access to specialty care, especially for those in rural or underserved areas, and helps overcome barriers like transportation or mobility issues. It supports continuity of care, enhances patient education, and has been shown to improve outcomes in diabetes and chronic disease management. Our hybrid model allows you to move seamlessly between in-person and virtual visits as your needs change.
What Is an ABN?
ABN stands for "Advanced Beneficiary Notice." It may be given to a patient when labs or procedures are performed, notifying you that if insurance does not fully cover a service, you are responsible for the cost.
What About Follow-Up and Long-Term Care?
We believe in long-term relationships. Diabetes patients are typically seen every 3 months, with more frequent visits for those needing extra support. Weight loss patients are seen every 2 weeks early on, then less often as they progress. RFA patients receive bundled follow-up care at 1 week and 3 months post-procedure. Our DiaDirect app enables ongoing communication and monitoring between visits, so you're never alone in your journey.
What Does Dr. VanDyke Do in Her Spare Time?
When she's not stamping out metabolic disease, Dr. VanDyke enjoys traveling, showing Quarter Horses, cooking, playing the cello, and attending SoCal Corgi Beach Day with The Duchess Fiona von Woofington—our occasional low-carb support animal.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation or Learn More?
Call or text us at (817) 380-4880, or contact us online. We'll answer your questions, review your insurance, and help you access the best in thyroid and endocrine care—wherever you live.
Latest blog articles
“I Gave Myself One Year, Or I Was Done”: How a Widow Maker Heart Attack Led to a Diabetes Reversal Without Ozempic
A patient’s raw, honest account of losing 53 pounds, dropping...
Read More
“Estrogen Dominant” and Panicking? An Endocrinologist Says: Relax.
Dr. Lindsey Vandyke breaks down the truth about estrogen dominance,...
Read More
California, We Need to Talk About Your Endocrinologist Problem
And why I’m doing something about it. Let me tell...
Read MoreGreat Support Team
I love them the most.
Forever Grateful
If you are interested in getting healthy and losing those extra pounds you owe it to yourself to try their program. It’s the only thing that has worked for me
Well Worth It
It’s a relief that my diabetes is controlled.
So Happy
Lost 55lbs
A Pioneer in RFA
RFA was approved in 2018 and Dr. VanDyke was the first endocrinologist to perform this procedure in the DFW metroplex, treating thyroid nodules since 2021.
RFA is popular among patients who want to avoid surgery or radioactive iodine and save their thyroid function.
It is safe, effective and less expensive than surgery.
Nodules can be reduced by up to 80% with one treatment!
Read our blog about RFA here.
How it works:
RFA is performed in-office with local anesthesia.
That means no surgical scar.
The V1000 RF Ablation System applies dense vibrating energy to the thyroid nodule that effectively destroys nodule tissue without injuring the healthy outer thyroid tissue.
The benefits are the elimination of the symptoms from the very large nodule and preservation of thyroid function without a surgical neck scar. Most patients when given the option prefer not having a neck scar or possibly require medication for life following surgery.
Because RFA is done in the clinic, patients experience no down time from work or home duties, while preserving the rest of their normal tissue.
With Radiofrequency technique, the functioning thyroid lobe is preserved, the thyroid nodule shrinks in size, and over a few months most symptoms and visible neck lumps are relieved.
Call/Text 817-380-4880 to determine if you are a candidate for RFA.
Contact Us
Let us care for you
-
1900 Matlock Rd, Ste 304
Mansfield, TX 76063 - (817) 380-4880
- info@aidendo.com
Find Us
Follow Us
Contact Us
Send us a message
Do not submit private health information through this form.