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Biopsy of Upper Throat Behind the Nose

Virginia 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?

$2,132

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

Insurers have agreed to pay about $2,132 for this procedure. That total is two separate charges: $182 to the doctor who performs it, and $1,950 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 8 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

What's inside this number

Part of the billTypicalRange
Physician feeThe doctor who performs it$182$132 to $234
Facility feeThe hospital or surgery center$1,950$603 to $3,715

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,950 · 10th to 90th $151 to $5,754Professionalmedian $182 · 10th to 90th $117 to $275
$100$200$500$1K$2K$5K$10Kfacility $1,950professional $182

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
$218.78
Median
$3,981.07
Typical High
$9,332.54
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$128.82
Median
$213.80
Typical High
$269.15
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2,884.03
Median
$3,715.35
Typical High
$4,265.80
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$194.98
Typical High
$263.03
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$117.49
Median
$131.83
Typical High
$154.88
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$346.74
Median
$1,479.11
Typical High
$2,818.38
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$190.55
Typical High
$269.15
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$208.93
Median
$245.47
Typical High
$338.84
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$234.42
Median
$295.12
Typical High
$295.12
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$128.82
Median
$208.93
Typical High
$363.08
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$117.49
Median
$138.04
Typical High
$263.03
Sentara
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$112.20
Median
$912.01
Typical High
$3,981.07
Sentara
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$204.17
Median
$223.87
Typical High
$346.74
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$588.84
Median
$2,187.76
Typical High
$5,888.44
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$93.33
Median
$162.18
Typical High
$295.12
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
$64.57
Median
$83.18
Typical High
$134.90
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$33.11
Typical High
$53.70
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
54 · Surgery only
Typical Low
$95.50
Median
$123.03
Typical High
$199.53
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
55 · Aftercare only
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$24.55
Typical High
$39.81
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
56 · Pre-op care only
Typical Low
$12.88
Median
$16.60
Typical High
$26.92
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
78 · Unplanned return to OR
Typical Low
$89.13
Median
$114.82
Typical High
$186.21

Where Virginia 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

Virginia· 19th of 51

$2,132

$182 physician + $1,950 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.