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CPT 42281 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: October 2026

Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.

Insert Prosthesis Palate Pin Type
Key FactDetail
Service Type

Surgery

Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System

Common Place of Service

22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital

21 - Inpatient Hospital

Common Modifiers

51 - Multiple procedures

AS - PA/NP/CNS assistant at surgery

Complexity LevelModerate
Medicare Fee Schedule$241.49 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 42281
Medicaid Fee Schedule$188.835 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 42281

National average reimbursement for CPT 42281 by major payers:

bcbs

$272.08

uhc

$284.55

aetna

$302.75

cigna

$263.60

Compare published rates across providers.

Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 42281.

CPT 42281
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
  1. Aurora Surgery Centers, LLC

    Aurora Surgery Centers LLC

    WIAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1053770149Tax ID 81-1401714

    $3,024.00Published rate
  2. Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center LLC

    Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center, LLC

    FLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1538126362Tax ID 59-3659906

    $1,258.00Published rate
  3. Warren Gastro Endoscopy Ctr Inc

    PAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1396738936Tax ID 34-1850936

    $703.00Published rate
  4. Galleria Surgery Center LLC

    MDAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1225221435Tax ID 73-1713874

    $500.00Published rate
  5. Cynthia Lewis

    Deaconess Hospital Inc

    INNurse PractitionerNPI 1104131655Tax ID 35-0593390

    $183.97Published rate

National sample. Rates vary by location, specialty, and contract.

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CPT 42281 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Codes

The CPT 42281 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.

The CPT 42281 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.

CodeComplexityDescription
42280-CPTModerateMaxillary Impression For Palatal Prosthe
42281-CPTModerateInsert Prosthesis Palate Pin Type
42299-CPTHighSurgery On Uvula Or Palate, Surgery Performed On The Uvula Or The Roof Of The Mouth (Palate).
42400-CPTLowSaliva Gland Biopsy, A Procedure To Remove A Sample Of Tissue From A Saliva Gland For Testing (Biopsy). The Sample May Be Taken In A Surgery Or With A Needle.

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 42281. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 42281 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.

Factors that affect fee schedules


Medicare & Medicaid Rates

Government-set reimbursement amounts


Private Insurance Rates

Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies


Geographic Location

Costs may be higher in urban areas.


Provider Type

Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.

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