CPT 42808
Global 010 ActiveExcise pharynx lesion
CPT 42808 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 42808 (Excise pharynx lesion) is classified under Surgery (Digestive) with a global period indicator of 010. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 2.29, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 4.38, and a malpractice RVU of 0.35, a total non-facility RVU of 7.02 and facility RVU of 4.44. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $240.74, though rates vary from $208.18 to $302.13 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 42808, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 42808 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
10-day global period (minor procedure: pre-op day + procedure + 10 days post-op)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 2 units of 42808 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 42808
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 2.29 | 2.29 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 4.38 | 1.8 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.35 | 0.35 |
| Total RVU | 7.02 | 4.44 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 42808
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $258.68 | $156.71 | $244.39 - $302.13 | 29 |
| Florida | $246.03 | $159.57 | $233.92 - $258.35 | 3 |
| Georgia | $230.15 | $147.95 | $220.92 - $239.39 | 2 |
| Illinois | $240.45 | $157.19 | $228.33 - $250.88 | 4 |
| Michigan | $230.31 | $149.4 | $223.25 - $237.37 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $220.45 | $140.05 | $220.45 - $220.45 | 1 |
| New York | $259.22 | $163.08 | $223.69 - $277.04 | 5 |
| Ohio | $221.84 | $143.16 | $221.84 - $221.84 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $232.98 | $148.57 | $221.84 - $244.11 | 2 |
| Texas | $231.8 | $146.96 | $220.48 - $241.78 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 42808
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 42808 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00170 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 0213T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0228T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0230T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0596T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0597T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0903T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 42808
What does CPT code 42808 mean? +
CPT code 42808 represents: Excise pharynx lesion. It's in the Surgery (Digestive) category with a global period of 010.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 42808? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 42808 is $240.74. Rates range from $208.18 to $302.13 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 42808? +
Surgery codes commonly use modifier 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 58/78/79 (staged, unplanned return, unrelated within global), 62 (co-surgeons), 80/82 (assistant surgeon), and 59 or the X{EPSU} subset for distinct procedural service.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 42808? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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