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Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 42804

This procedure takes a small tissue sample from the upper part of the throat located behind the nose, using an indirect technique such as a small scope or mirror rather than a larger open surgical approach. It is used to investigate symptoms such as nasal blockage, bleeding, or a visible growth in this area. The tissue sample is examined in a laboratory to check for infection, inflammation, or abnormal cells.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose cost?

$148

Typical physician fee. In Washington, DC, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $148 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $132 to $234.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,698 · 10th to 90th $269 to $16,218Professionalmedian $148 · 10th to 90th $117 to $282
$100$500$2K$10Kfacility $1,698professional $148

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$147.91
Median
$1,548.82
Typical High
$3,311.31
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$141.25
Median
$213.80
Typical High
$269.15
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$117.49
Median
$131.83
Typical High
$151.36
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$125.89
Median
$199.53
Typical High
$309.03
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$208.93
Median
$234.42
Typical High
$416.87
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$537.03
Median
$2,511.89
Typical High
$27,542.29
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$102.33
Median
$177.83
Typical High
$363.08
6 more rates with less common billing modifiers

A modifier changes what was billed, for example a reduced or repeated service. Each of these modifiers carries under 10% of the published rates for this code. Modifier combinations, and modifiers with fewer than 30 rates for a carrier, are not listed.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$70.79
Median
$89.13
Typical High
$134.90
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$28.18
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$53.70
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$104.71
Median
$134.90
Typical High
$199.53
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$39.81
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$17.78
Typical High
$26.92
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$97.72
Median
$125.89
Typical High
$186.21

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 3.6 times more in Alaska than in Texas. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 50th of 51

$148

AK $501TX $138

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.