Tonsillectomy

Surgical removal of the tonsils, commonly performed in children but also done in adults. Usually an outpatient procedure with 1-2 weeks of recovery.

Price Comparison

Average Cost (Uninsured)$9,000

Average Cost (Insured)$4,500

Fair Price Range$2,500 – $6,500

Medicare Reimbursement$2,800

Detailed Breakdown

Average Cost (Insured)

$4,500

Average Cost (Uninsured)

$9,000

Medicare Reimbursement Rate

$2,800

Fair Price Range

$2,500 – $6,500

Common CPT Codes

42820428214282542826

Negotiation Tips

Tonsillectomies are almost always outpatient procedures -- if you were billed at inpatient rates, dispute the classification
Verify whether adenoid removal was also performed and billed separately -- combined tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (42820) should be a single charge
Anesthesia for pediatric tonsillectomy sometimes includes inflated charges for pediatric-specific anesthesia -- compare to standard rates
Surgery center costs for tonsillectomy are typically 30-50% less than hospital outpatient costs

Were you overcharged for a tonsillectomy?

We generate a personalized negotiation letter citing Medicare rates, fair-price benchmarks, and the exact CPT codes for your procedure.