 | With Insurance: Coinsurance and Copays Usually Running $100-$500+ |
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 | Without Insurance: Usually Runs $5,000-$7,000 |
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| An adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoid glands located near the back of the throat. It is often performed in children to treat chronic ear infections or enlarged adenoids, which can cause snoring and trouble breathing. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients not covered by health insurance, the typical cost of an adenoidectomy with or without a tonsillectomy is $5,000 to $7,000, including the surgeon's fee, hospital charge and anesthesia. For example, according to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center out-of-pocket cost estimator, adenoidectomy with tonsillectomy would cost $5,565 with an uninsured discount. And according to Aetna, an adenoidectomy without the company's in-network discount typically costs $6,281.
- Adenoidectomy typically would be considered medically necessary when ordered by a doctor, so it would be covered by health insurance.
- For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a surgery copay or coinsurance of 10 to 20 percent that would total $100 to $500 or more.
What should be included: | - The doctor will conduct a pre-surgery office visit.
- On the day of surgery, the patient usually will be admitted to the hospital and placed under general anesthesia. The doctor then will surgically remove the adenoids using a small mirror and a curette or microdebrider; or, some doctors cauterize the tissue. Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates offers an overview of the procedure.
Additional costs: | - If done with a tonsillectomy, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. Otherwise, an over-the-counter pain reliever should be sufficient.
Discounts: | - Children can outgrow problems caused by adenoids, so in some cases, watching and waiting might be an option.
Shopping for an adenoidectomy: | - To find a doctor, get a referral from a family physician or pediatrician. Check with the American Board of Otolaryngology to make sure the doctor is a board-certified head and neck surgeon.
- An adenoidectomy generally is considered safe, but like any surgery carries the risk of bleeding or infection. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2009 |
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