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Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose

North Carolina 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?

$1,581

Typical total for the visit. In North Carolina, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $1,581 for this procedure. That total is two separate charges: $263 to the doctor who performs it, and $1,318 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 7 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

What's inside this number

Part of the billTypicalRange
Physician feeThe doctor who performs it$263$219 to $407
Facility feeThe hospital or surgery center$1,318$525 to $2,455

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,318 · 10th to 90th $347 to $3,890Professionalmedian $263 · 10th to 90th $138 to $525
$200$500$1K$2K$5Kfacility $1,318professional $263

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

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$208.93
Typical High
$7,413.10
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$204.17
Typical High
$245.47
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$398.11
Median
$398.11
Typical High
$398.11
BCBS North Carolina
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$912.01
Median
$1,445.44
Typical High
$3,630.78
BCBS North Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$169.82
Median
$281.84
Typical High
$537.03
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$457.09
Median
$1,995.26
Typical High
$2,951.21
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$128.82
Median
$213.80
Typical High
$331.13
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$295.12
Median
$295.12
Typical High
$512.86
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$223.87
Median
$549.54
Typical High
$1,949.84
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$204.17
Median
$239.88
Typical High
$239.88
Oscar Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$169.82
Median
$169.82
Typical High
$181.97
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$478.63
Median
$831.76
Typical High
$4,365.16
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$112.20
Median
$177.83
Typical High
$295.12
8 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
$58.88
Median
$93.33
Typical High
$107.15
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$23.99
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$42.66
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$89.13
Median
$141.25
Typical High
$158.49
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$31.62
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$12.02
Median
$18.62
Typical High
$21.38
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$83.18
Median
$131.83
Typical High
$147.91
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
51 · Multiple procedures
Typical Low
$186.21
Median
$354.81
Typical High
$1,288.25
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
51 · Multiple procedures
Typical Low
$102.33
Median
$120.23
Typical High
$151.36

Where North Carolina 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

North Carolina· 29th of 51

$1,581

$263 physician + $1,318 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.