How Much Does A Tonsillectomy Cost?

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    In the United States, without insurance, the cost of a tonsillectomy ranges from $4000-$7000. Tonsillectomy cost varies per state and if the procedure is done in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. The cost of tonsillectomy surgery can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars per state. The cost is less in states with a low cost of living compared to states with a high cost of living. The cost of tonsillectomy surgery is about $1000-$2000 less when the procedure is performed at an ambulatory surgery center instead of a hospital. Tonsillectomy surgery done at an ambulatory surgery center is done as an outpatient procedure so there are no overnight stay costs. The cost of tonsillectomy surgery includes doctor fees, facility fees and anesthesia fees. Doctor fees are around $500-$600, anesthesia costs are around $600-$700 and facility fees range from $1500-$4500. Facility fees for an ambulatory surgery center are around $1500-$2000, while facility fees at a hospital are around $4000.

    Tonsillectomy price is also affected by the age and overall health of the patient; tonsillectomy cost is less for younger healthier patients than for older patients or patients with pre-existing medical problems.

    Tonsil removal surgery costs are far cheaper for patients with insurance. Most patients with insurance pay $200-$1000 on tonsillectomy costs; however, tonsillectomy cost with insurance varies per insurance company and plan. Tonsillectomies outside the United States tend to be cheaper than tonsillectomies done in the United States. The cost of tonsil removal surgery in Mexico and Cuba is around $3500, while in Canada and the United Kingdom it is free for all their citizens.

    Tonsil Removal Cost

    Tonsil removal cost ranges from $4000-$7000 in the United States for patients without insurance. Tonsil removal surgery costs are around $200-$1000 for patients with insurance, depending on the insurance coverage. Tonsil removal costs are affected by location, doctor and where the procedure is performed. Tonsil removal surgery is far cheaper at an ambulatory surgery center than a hospital as there is no overnight stay required. A patient can save $1000-$2000 on tonsil removal costs by having their tonsil removal surgery done at an ambulatory surgery center instead of a hospital

    The Average Cost Of A Tonsillectomy

    In the United States, the average cost of a tonsillectomy without insurance is around $5500. The average cost is around $500 with insurance; however, the average cost with insurance varies depending on the insurance policy. The average tonsillectomy is cheaper in states with a low cost of living than in states with a high cost of living.

    Pediatric Tonsillectomy

    The cost of a tonsillectomy in children is less than the cost of a tonsillectomy for adults.
    Pediatric tonsillectomies are less expensive than adult tonsillectomies due to the surgery being easier with children, and there being less chance of complication and less pain for the patient. The cost of a tonsillectomy in children is about $500 cheaper than the cost of a tonsillectomy for adults. Pediatric tonsillectomy cost varies per location, doctor and where the surgery is done.

    Adult Tonsillectomy

    An adult tonsillectomy costs more than a tonsillectomy in children. An adult tonsillectomy is more difficult to perform than a pediatric tonsillectomy, is more prone to complications, and often requires more pain medication following it than a tonsillectomy for children does. Average adult tonsillectomy cost is about $500 more than average tonsillectomy cost for children.

    Tonsillectomy Cost With Insurance

    The cost of a tonsillectomy with insurance varies depending on the insurance company and plan. Some insurance companies cover 100% of the tonsillectomy cost, while other insurance companies cover 80%-90% of costs. Most patients with insurance pay $200-$1000 on tonsillectomy costs. The cost of a tonsillectomy with insurance varies per location, doctor and where the procedure is performed. Many insurance companies only cover traditional tonsillectomy surgery and do not cover laser tonsillectomy surgery.

    Tonsillectomy Cost Without Insurance

    The cost of a tonsillectomy without insurance ranges from $4000-$7000. The average cost of tonsillectomy surgery without insurance is around $5500. The cost of a tonsillectomy without insurance is less when the procedure is done in an ambulatory surgery center instead of a hospital. A tonsillectomy without insurance is $1000-$2000 less at an ambulatory surgery center instead of a hospital.

    Adenoidectomy Cost

    In the United States, the cost of adenoidectomy surgery ranges from $5000-$8200 without insurance. The average cost of adenoidectomy surgery without insurance is $6000. The cost varies per location and doctor. The cost of an adenoidectomy with insurance varies depending on the insurance company and plan; however, the average patient spends $500-$1500 on the surgery.

    Cost Of Tonsillectomy And Adenoidectomy

    The cost of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery together is generally cheaper than the cost of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery separately. In the United States, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy prices range from $10,000-$14,000. The average cost of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery is $11,500. However, the cost varies per location, doctor and where the procedure is done. Health insurance usually covers all or most of the cost of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery.

    Laser Tonsillectomy Cost

    Laser tonsillectomy surgery is a relatively new procedure. A laser tonsillectomy costs more than a tradition tonsillectomy. Laser tonsillectomy prices are about $1000-$2000 more than traditional tonsillectomy prices. Laser tonsillectomy prices range from $5200-$8000. The average cost of a laser tonsillectomy is $6700. The cost varies per location, doctor and where the procedure is performed. As laser tonsillectomies are moderately new procedures and are more expensive than traditional tonsillectomies, many insurance companies do not cover them.

    Tonsillectomy Criteria

    For an insurance company to cover the cost of tonsillectomy surgery or the cost of adenoidectomy surgery, the patient must have the surgery recommended by a doctor. To get a doctor recommendation for tonsillectomy surgery the patient must meet a certain criteria. To meet the needed criteria, patients must have at least three tonsil or adenoids infections annually, and show that the infections are not cured or prevented by antibiotics or other normal medical therapies.

    Tonsillectomy Risks

    Serious tonsillectomy complications and tonsillectomy side effects are rare as tonsillectomy surgery is a relatively simple procedure. The most common tonsillectomy side effect is swelling in the face and throat that can cause discomfort and pain for up to two weeks after the procedure. There is also the possible side effect of a mouth infection. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics and pain medications to help ensure they do not get an infection and to help numb any pain. Swelling and pain of the throat and jaw are more common in adult patients than in children. Tonsillectomy complications during the surgery include excessive bleeding from the procedure. As with any surgery, there is always a very slight risk of death due to the anesthesia.

    Tonsillectomy Recovery

    Recovery from tonsillectomy usually takes about two weeks; however some people, especially children, recover in just a couple of days, while some people take a month or two for full recovery. During recovery from tonsillectomy, patients should drink cold beverages and eat cold soft foods like ice cream, slushies and popsicles.  During the first week to ten days, patients will usually take antibiotics and prescription medication.

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