42870 Excision of lingual tonsil
Surgery
Global 90d
Also known as: lingual tonsillectomy, base of tongue tonsil removal
Excision (surgical removal) of lingual tonsil (tonsil tissue at base of tongue) via transoral approach.
Clinical Context
Indicated for lingual tonsillar hypertrophy causing obstructive sleep apnea, dysphagia, or airway obstruction. May be performed in conjunction with soft palate surgery.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.38 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 10.25 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.79 |
| Total RVU | 16.42 |
Est. Medicare Payment
$548.43
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.