42870 Excision of lingual tonsil
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.
In Plain Language
removal of tonsil at back of tongue; base of tongue lymphoid tissue removal
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 |
| Total RVU | 5.38 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.38, this code ranks in the 36th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 42870?
CPT 42870 (Excision of lingual tonsil) is a Surgery code. Excision (surgical removal) of lingual tonsil (tonsil tissue at base of tongue) via transoral approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 42870?
The work RVU for CPT 42870 is 5.38. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 42870 used?
Indicated for lingual tonsillar hypertrophy causing obstructive sleep apnea, dysphagia, or airway obstruction. May be performed in conjunction with soft palate surgery.
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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.