CPT 42831: Initial Adenoidectomy for Patients Aged 12 Years or Older
CPT code 42831 identifies an initial adenoidectomy for patients aged 12 years and older, an ENT surgical procedure commonly performed in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers. Nationally, adenoidectomy coding affects surgical utilization metrics, payer coverage determinations, and facility billing practices for adolescent and adult patients undergoing upper airway surgery. Accurate use of this CPT code is important for clinical reporting, reimbursement alignment, and claims processing.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of expected sites of service, common modifiers applicable to surgical procedures, and the clinical context for when an initial adenoidectomy is reported for patients aged 12 and older. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations, prevalent billing practices across major payers, and policy-related factors that influence coverage and medical necessity review nationally.
This report is intended to inform coding professionals, practice managers, and policy analysts about the clinical definition of the code, payer coverage scope, and the operational implications for facility and professional billing. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 42831 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 42831 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 42831 describes an initial adenoidectomy performed in a patient aged 12 years or older. This procedure involves surgical removal of the adenoids and is categorized as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgical service.
-
Service type: Surgical procedure
-
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center