How Much Does Remove tonsils and adenoids Cost?
Remove tonsils and adenoids (CPT 42820) costs $261 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $6.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (7.81) x CF ($33.40) = $261
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Remove tonsils and adenoids cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Remove tonsils and adenoids is $261. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $6. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $3. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Remove tonsils and adenoids cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Remove tonsils and adenoids can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Remove tonsils and adenoids?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Remove tonsils and adenoids when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.