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Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose

Tennessee 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?

$1,933

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

Insurers have agreed to pay about $1,933 for this procedure. That total is two separate charges: $195 to the doctor who performs it, and $1,738 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 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

What's inside this number

Part of the billTypicalRange
Physician feeThe doctor who performs it$195$132 to $288
Facility feeThe hospital or surgery center$1,738$1,072 to $2,818

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,738 · 10th to 90th $550 to $4,266Professionalmedian $195 · 10th to 90th $110 to $1,549
$100$200$500$1K$2K$5Kfacility $1,738professional $195

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
$602.56
Median
$2,290.87
Typical High
$7,585.78
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$104.71
Median
$186.21
Typical High
$281.84
BCBS Tennessee
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$933.25
Median
$1,905.46
Typical High
$5,128.61
BCBS Tennessee
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$114.82
Median
$194.98
Typical High
$323.59
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$389.05
Median
$1,659.59
Typical High
$3,235.94
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$114.82
Median
$190.55
Typical High
$275.42
Lucent Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$1,548.82
Median
$1,548.82
Typical High
$1,862.09
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$512.86
Median
$1,445.44
Typical High
$3,630.78
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$107.15
Median
$186.21
Typical High
$316.23
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
$52.48
Median
$93.33
Typical High
$141.25
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$56.23
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$79.43
Median
$141.25
Typical High
$213.80
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$15.85
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$42.66
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$10.47
Median
$18.62
Typical High
$28.18
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$74.13
Median
$131.83
Typical High
$199.53

Where Tennessee 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

Tennessee· 22nd of 51

$1,933

$195 physician + $1,738 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.