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CPT 42720 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: January 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.

I & D Abscess; Retro/Para Pharyngeal, In
Key FactDetail
Service Type

Surgery

Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System

Common Place of Service

21 - Inpatient Hospital

22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital

Common Modifiers

None

AG - Primary physician

GC - Service performed by resident under supervision

Complexity LevelModerate
Medicare Fee ScheduleView Medicare rates for 42720

National average reimbursement for CPT 42720 by major payers:

bcbs

$567.54

uhc

$598.31

aetna

$642.94

cigna

$741.93

Preview provider-level rates for...
For billing codeCPT 42720
PayerCodeRateNPITax IDStateSpecialty

Select a payer to view fee schedule data

Choose a payer from the options above to see rates for CPT 42720

United
42720$1233.001649515354 - SURGCENTER NORTHEAST LLC455554995 - (FL) SURGCENTER NORTHEAST, LLCFLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$800.001205454006 - GOLDEN TRIANGLE SURGERY CENTER, LLC, BAPTIST BEAUMONT SURGICAL AFFILIATES821773443 - (TX) BEAUMONT SURGICAL AFFILIATESTXAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$799.331386148427 - EDIN ALIHODZIC350593390 - DEACONESS HOSPITAL INCINHospitalist Physician (208M00000X)
United
42720$555.001811300403 - SUMMIT SURGERY CENTER465701676 - (CO) SUMMIT SURGERY CENTERCOAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1276.001194913574 - SUMMIT AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER, LLC522148280MDAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1258.001891253035 - ADVANCED CENTER FOR SURGERY, THE ADVANCED CENTER FOR SURGERY611917634 - (FL) ADVANCED CENTER FOR SURGERYFLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1671.001962423574 - FULLERTON SURGICAL CENTER, LP, FULLERTON SURGICAL CENTER470927394 - (CA) FULLERTON SURGICAL CENTER LPCAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$560.001144370784 - BELLINGHAM EAR NOSE THROAT AND FACIAL SURGERY INC, WHATCOM SURGERY CENTER911009308 - (WA) BELLINGHAM EAR, NOSE, THROAT & FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY, INC. P.S.WAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$947.001750970869 - BSC CHANDLER LLC853443457 - (AZ) BSC CHANDLER LLCAZAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$766.001164656740 - SURGERY CENTER OF MOUNT DORA, LLC262446297 - (FL) SURGERY CENTER OF MOUNT DORAFLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$961.001982211728 - FT SCOTT SURGERY CENTER LLC853127325KSAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$580.001093748527 - WOODHAMS LASER & LENS IMPLANT CENTER LLC582631668 - (GA) WOODHAMS LASER LENS IMPLANT CENTER LLCGAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1167.001346969789 - ADVENTHEALTH SURGERY CENTER INNOVATION TOWER, LLC882744377 - (FL) ADVENTHEALTH SURGERY CENTER INNOVATION TOWER LLCFLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1528.001275532889 - COAST SURGERY CENTER L P, COAST SURGERY CENTER OF SOUTH BAY450463066 - (CA) COAST SURGERY CENTER L PCAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
42720$1025.001063531911 - NJ VEIN & COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER, PA223328362 - (NJ) NJ VEIN COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER PANJAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/Center (261QA1903X)
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist

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CPT 42720 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Codes

The CPT 42720 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 42720 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
42700-CPTModerateI&D Abscess Peritonsilar
42720-CPTModerateI & D Abscess; Retro/Para Pharyngeal, In
42725-CPTHighI&D Absc Retro/Parapharyngeal Ext
42815-CPTModerateExc Branchial Cleft Cyst Deep

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 42720. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 42720 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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