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Ohio

Cost of a Tonsillectomy Visit
in Ohio

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Ohio's healthcare system serves over 11.8 million residents through a balanced mix of urban medical centers and rural clinics, with costs for surgical procedures running approximately 2% below national averages. Tonsillectomy patients in Ohio typically pay between $85 and $559, with a median cost of $297 based on negotiated insurance rates across 3,518 active providers statewide. Browse all tonsillectomy providers in Ohio to compare costs and find the right surgeon for your needs.

Average

$313

Median

$297

Lowest

$85

Highest

$559

Providers

3,518

National avg: $420Ohio: $313

25% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does tonsillectomy compare to related procedures in Ohio?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$848$1,471$2,4913,206
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$85$1,415$2,4913,692
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$335$613$1,0873,282
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$338$585$9833,234
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$85$667$1,1854,653
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$355$660$1,1854,341
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$85$917$1,5973,541
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$357$592$1,1163,245
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$328$547$1,0393,201
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$303$598$1,1753,266
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$268$453$7973,211

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 42820Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 42820 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 42820 (Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 42820 covers: the provider's professional fee for tonsillectomy. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Top-Rated Hospitals in Ohio

These hospitals in Ohio are top-rated for patient satisfaction. Review data sourced from HCAHPS Patient Survey.

5/5
93% would recommend661 patient surveys
5/5
93% would recommend252 patient surveys
5/5
87% would recommend209 patient surveys
5/5
85% would recommend414 patient surveys
5/5
84% would recommend141 patient surveys

Hospital ratings are based on HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey data published by CMS.

Why Tonsillectomy Visit Costs Vary Across Ohio

Healthcare costs in Ohio run approximately 2% below the national average, reflecting the state's moderate cost of living and competitive insurance market. The Buckeye State's balanced urban-rural population creates diverse pricing structures, with major metropolitan areas supporting premium surgical facilities while smaller communities offer more affordable options.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Ohio's major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati concentrate most ENT specialists, creating competitive pricing and shorter wait times for tonsillectomy procedures. Rural counties in southeastern and northwestern Ohio have limited specialist access, often requiring patients to travel to regional medical centers. This geographic disparity can add transportation costs but may offer access to lower-priced facilities outside major metropolitan areas.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based outpatient surgery departments at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children's typically charge premium rates due to higher overhead and academic medical center status. Independent ambulatory surgery centers throughout Ohio often provide the same quality care at 30-50% lower costs. Community hospitals in mid-sized cities like Dayton and Toledo offer competitive pricing between these extremes.

Insurance Market Competition in Ohio

Strong competition among Medical Mutual of Ohio (the state's largest insurer), Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare creates favorable negotiated rates for surgical procedures. Ohio's insurance marketplace offers multiple plan options in most counties, giving consumers leverage to choose cost-effective coverage. The competitive environment has kept premium increases moderate compared to less competitive state markets.

Physician Supply and Demand in Ohio

With 3,518 providers offering tonsillectomy services across Ohio, the state maintains adequate surgical capacity to meet patient demand without significant wait times. This robust provider network includes both adult and pediatric ENT specialists, creating competitive pricing pressure. The concentration of medical schools and residency programs in Ohio ensures steady physician supply, helping control costs compared to underserved regions.

JP

Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Tonsillectomy Costs in Ohio

What is the average cost of a Tonsillectomy visit in Ohio without insurance?

Uninsured patients in Ohio typically pay between $85 and $559 for tonsillectomy consultation, with a median cost of $297 based on negotiated insurance rates. Many providers offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off these rates for upfront payment. The total surgical procedure costs significantly more, often requiring payment plans or medical financing options.

Does Ohio Medicaid cover Tonsillectomy visits?

Yes, Ohio's expanded Medicaid program covers medically necessary tonsillectomy procedures and consultations for eligible recipients. Coverage includes pre-operative evaluations, the surgery itself, and post-operative follow-up visits when performed for chronic infections, sleep apnea, or other qualifying conditions. Prior authorization may be required to document medical necessity before scheduling surgery.

How do I find an affordable Tonsillectomy near me in Ohio?

Compare costs between hospital-based surgery centers and independent ambulatory facilities, as independents often charge 30-50% less for the same procedure. Ask about self-pay discounts and payment plans if you're uninsured or have a high-deductible plan. Community health centers in Ohio may offer sliding scale fees based on income for qualifying patients.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Initial tonsillectomy consultations typically cost between $85-559 with a median of $297, while follow-up visits generally cost less as they require shorter appointment times and less extensive evaluation. Post-operative follow-up visits may be included in the global surgical fee if performed within 90 days of the procedure. New patient visits often include comprehensive examination and treatment planning, justifying the higher cost.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Tonsillectomy visit in Ohio?

Yes, both HSA and FSA funds can cover tonsillectomy consultations and surgical procedures as qualified medical expenses. These tax-advantaged accounts help reduce your effective cost by avoiding income tax on funds used for medical care. Keep receipts and documentation from your Ohio provider for tax purposes and HSA/FSA reimbursement claims.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Tonsillectomy in Ohio?

Telemedicine consultations for tonsillectomy typically cost 20-40% less than in-person visits, though physical examination is usually required before surgical clearance. Ohio providers increasingly offer virtual follow-up visits after surgery, reducing travel costs and time off work. Initial consultations may combine telehealth screening with in-person examination for comprehensive yet cost-effective care.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$198
$682

Office visit (CPT 42820)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1Wisconsin
Range: $95$1,404
$682
2Massachusetts
Range: $219$1,237
$637
3Wyoming
Range: $351$894
$575
4Nebraska
Range: $347$705
$564
5New Hampshire
Range: $290$831
$556
6Georgia
Range: $196$981
$552
7Washington
Range: $324$889
$549
8Maine
Range: $342$578
$498
9North Dakota
Range: $237$820
$485
10Iowa
Range: $95$705
$480
11North Carolina
Range: $217$820
$478
12Rhode Island
Range: $239$742
$474
13District of Columbia
Range: $220$681
$460
14New Mexico
Range: $253$694
$459
15South Dakota
Range: $197$705
$438
16Missouri
Range: $268$559
$436
17Connecticut
Range: $194$742
$432
18New Jersey
Range: $170$833
$425
19Oregon
Range: $85$774
$424
20Vermont
Range: $220$693
$418
21Minnesota
Range: $94$705
$415
22Mississippi
Range: $230$725
$412
23Utah
Range: $85$643
$408
24Alaska
Range: $85$768
$408
25New York
Range: $203$742
$407
26Pennsylvania
Range: $149$742
$402
27Michigan
Range: $238$559
$402
28Illinois
Range: $253$596
$396
29West Virginia
Range: $85$748
$396
30Delaware
Range: $154$698
$390
31Colorado
Range: $85$694
$388
32Alabama
Range: $195$615
$387
33Tennessee
Range: $234$559
$386
34Idaho
Range: $85$679
$384
35Hawaii
Range: $85$665
$383
36South Carolina
Range: $194$644
$381
37Kentucky
Range: $85$679
$374
38Maryland
Range: $226$607
$368
39Virginia
Range: $192$589
$362
40Indiana
Range: $85$649
$360
41Kansas
Range: $268$463
$359
42Louisiana
Range: $189$530
$355
43Oklahoma
Range: $232$540
$354
44California
Range: $80$705
$350
45Arkansas
Range: $85$561
$348
46Texas
Range: $85$597
$332
47Nevada
Range: $228$481
$331
48Montana
Range: $85$581
$326
49Arizona
Range: $240$480
$320
50Ohio
Range: $85$559
$313
51Florida
Range: $35$505
$198
Tonsillectomy in Other States