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Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose

Maine 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?

$1,478

Typical total for the visit. In Maine, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $1,478 for this procedure. That total is two separate charges: $219 to the doctor who performs it, and $1,259 to the hospital or surgery center where it takes place. Done somewhere without a facility charge, you pay only the first.

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 6 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

What's inside this number

Part of the billTypicalRange
Physician feeThe doctor who performs it$219$148 to $275
Facility feeThe hospital or surgery center$1,259$1,202 to $1,585

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,259 · 10th to 90th $537 to $2,399Professionalmedian $219 · 10th to 90th $138 to $372
$100$200$500$1K$2Kfacility $1,259professional $219

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
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$134.90
Median
$223.87
Typical High
$251.19
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$141.25
Median
$213.80
Typical High
$371.54
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$537.03
Median
$1,659.59
Typical High
$2,691.53
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$162.18
Median
$257.04
Typical High
$407.38
Harvard Pilgrim
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$933.25
Median
$1,258.93
Typical High
$1,584.89
Harvard Pilgrim
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$134.90
Median
$218.78
Typical High
$416.87
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$138.04
Median
$223.87
Typical High
$239.88
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$933.25
Median
$1,258.93
Typical High
$1,584.89
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$114.82
Median
$204.17
Typical High
$354.81
12 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
$69.18
Median
$100.00
Typical High
$120.23
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$39.81
Typical High
$47.86
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$102.33
Median
$151.36
Typical High
$181.97
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$36.31
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$13.80
Median
$19.95
Typical High
$23.99
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$95.50
Median
$141.25
Typical High
$169.82
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$69.18
Median
$100.00
Typical High
$120.23
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$39.81
Typical High
$47.86
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$102.33
Median
$151.36
Typical High
$181.97
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$36.31
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$13.80
Median
$19.95
Typical High
$23.99
Martin's Point
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$95.50
Median
$141.25
Typical High
$169.82

Where Maine sits

The same service costs 9.8 times more in Colorado than in North Dakota. 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.

Physician feeFacility fee

Maine· 37th of 51

$1,478

$219 physician + $1,259 facility

CO $4,589ND $469

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.