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    OpenPayerBilling CodesExcision and Destruction Procedures on the Pharynx, Adenoids, and TonsilsCPT cpt-42806-nasopharyngeal-biopsy-unknown-primary-lesion
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    CPT 42806: Biopsy of Nasopharyngeal Lesion, Unknown Primary

    Medicare pays $250 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 42806 describes a biopsy procedure to obtain tissue from an unknown primary lesion of the nasopharynx, a diagnostic surgical service typically performed by an otolaryngologist; service type: diagnostic biopsy; typical site of service: outpatient clinic or operating room within the nasopharyngeal/pharyngeal region.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Dental Anesthesia Services, Anesthesia Services for Interventional Pain Management Procedures in an Adult, General Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation Services.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult referred to an otolaryngology clinic for evaluation of an unexplained nasopharyngeal mass or persistent unilateral serous otitis media, epistaxis, nasal obstruction, or cervical lymphadenopathy. After history, flexible nasopharyngoscopy identifies a suspicious lesion in the nasopharynx. Imaging (CT or MRI) may be obtained prior to biopsy to assess extent. Under local anesthesia with or without sedation, or in the operating room under general anesthesia, the provider performs a targeted biopsy of the nasopharyngeal lesion using endoscopic guidance to obtain tissue for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The specimen is submitted with relevant clinical history and site information. Post-procedure instructions address bleeding, pain control, and signs of infection. Pathology results guide definitive management such as radiation, chemotherapy, or further surgical staging.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    30420Excision or destruction, intranasal, mucous membrane, with or without biopsy; single lesionPerformed when lesion is accessed intranasally and removal or more extensive excision is undertaken following diagnostic biopsy.
    31505Laryngoscopy, flexible or rigid; diagnostic, with or without cell washing (separate procedural code for larynx/pharynx evaluation)Can be performed before or during nasopharyngeal biopsy for visualization and evaluation of adjacent regions.
    42825Excision of lesion or tumor of nasopharynx; simple (minor)Used when the biopsy leads to immediate excision of a small nasopharyngeal lesion.
    88305Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examinationRepresentative pathology CPT code for processing biopsy specimens and rendering a diagnosis.
    63030Lymph node biopsy/excision codes vary (Note: specific cervical node codes may be used)Cervical lymph node biopsy or excision is commonly performed in workup when metastasis is suspected.

    Related Modifiers

    9 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    56Modifier ‑56 indicates the reporting provider furnished only the preoperative management for a surgical procedure and did not perform the intraoperative or postoperative care. It is used in…- Use Modifier -56 when a provider performs only the preoperative management in a split‑care situation (one physician manages preop care while a different physician performs the intraoperative…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    66Modifier 66 (Surgical Team) is used when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons on a single, highly complex procedure. The AMA defines it for use when a surgical team — often composed of…- Use modifier 66 when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons working collaboratively as a surgical team on a single, highly complex or difficult procedure (for example organ…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207L00000X
    208D00000X
    207K00000X
    208000000X
    363AS0400X
    207X00000X
    163WI0500X
    2471S1302X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    B95.8Unspecified staphylococcus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
    B97.0Adenovirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
    C02.9Malignant neoplasm of tongue, unspecified
    C09.0Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar fossa
    C10.0Malignant neoplasm of vallecula
    C11.0Malignant neoplasm of superior wall of nasopharynx
    C11.1Malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of nasopharynx
    C11.2Malignant neoplasm of lateral wall of nasopharynx
    C11.3Malignant neoplasm of anterior wall of nasopharynx
    C11.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of nasopharynx

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Dental Anesthesia ServicesProvidence Health Plan2026-10-01
    Anesthesia Services for Interventional Pain Management Procedures in an AdultCigna2026-09-15
    General Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation ServicesUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-06-01
    Sites of Servicepriority health2026-06-01
    Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Servicesuniverahealthcare2026-05-21

    Related Codes

    CPT-42800-OROPHARYNGEAL-BIOPSY

    CPT 42800: Biopsy, Oropharynx

    CPT-42804-NASOPHARYNGEAL-LESION-BIOPSY

    CPT 42804: Biopsy of Visible Nasopharyngeal Lesion

    CPT-42808-PHARYNGEAL-LESION-DESTRUCTION-LASER-CRYOSURGERY

    CPT 42808: Pharynx Lesion Destruction (Laser, Cryosurgery, Electrocautery)

    CPT-42809-PHARYNX-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

    CPT 42809: Removal of Foreign Body from Pharynx

    CPT-42810-BRACHIAL-CLEFT-CYST-EXCISION

    CPT 42810: Excision of Brachial Cleft Cyst, Lateral Neck

    CPT-42815-BRACHIAL-CLEFT-CYST-EXCISION

    CPT 42815: Excision of Brachial Cleft Cyst, Lateral Neck

    CPT-42820-TONSILLECTOMY-AND-ADENOIDECTOMY-YOUNGER-THAN-12

    CPT 42820: Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy, Patient Younger Than 12 Years

    CPT-42821-TONSILLECTOMY-ADENOIDECTOMY-AGE-12-PLUS

    CPT 42821: Tonsillectomy with Adenoidectomy, Age 12 or Older

    CPT-42825-PEDIATRIC-TONSILLECTOMY-UNDER-12

    CPT 42825: Tonsillectomy in Patients Under 12 Years

    CPT-42826-TONSILLECTOMY-AGE-12-AND-OLDER

    CPT 42826: Tonsillectomy for Patients Age 12 and Older

    Showing 1–10 of 22

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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