Surgery
Tonsillectomy, age 12 or older cost in Iowa
Tonsillectomy, age 12 or older is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In Iowa
From 34 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Iowa.
Nationwide typical: $3,945 (most listed prices $897–$11,830).
Usually included: anesthesia + the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Cash surgery centers usually quote facility, surgeon and anesthesia as one package. Hospitals split the charges. Tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy (42821) is a different bundle.
Cheapest in Iowa
Total price
Tonsillectomy, age 12 or older
Anesthesia + the facility fee + the doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: anesthesia + the facility fee + the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In Iowa, from 34 providers. Most listed prices: $896–$17,726.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Floyd County Medical Center$725Hospital · Charles CityEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Adair County Memorial Hospital$764Hospital · GreenfieldEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Shenandoah Medical Center$830Hospital · ShenandoahEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $517
- $569
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Decatur County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $597Source: Hawarden Regional Healthcare price file · checked Oct 2026
- $598
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- $616Source: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $622Source: UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $622Source: UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $622Source: UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Cent price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $622
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $622Source: UnityPoint Health - Jones Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $622Source: UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown price file · checked Oct 2026
- $622Source: UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.