Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Foreign Body Removal Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial Foreign Body (skin, splinter) | $150 – $400 | $35 – $100 |
| Ear Foreign Body Removal | $150 – $500 | $35 – $125 |
| Nasal Foreign Body Removal | $150 – $500 | $35 – $125 |
| Eye Foreign Body Removal | $200 – $600 | $50 – $150 |
| Deep Foreign Body Removal (subcutaneous) | $300 – $1,000 | $75 – $250 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 10120
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as outpatient procedure; complexity determines cost tier
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Superficial removal costs $150-$400 at urgent care. Ear, nose, or eye foreign body removal costs $150-$600. Deep removal requiring incision costs $300-$1,000. Add the visit fee ($100-$200) and any imaging needed.
Go to urgent care for splinters, superficial objects, ear/nose objects in children (if they are calm), and non-embedded eye particles. Go to the ER for objects in the airway, swallowed batteries or magnets, deeply embedded objects, or objects causing severe bleeding.
Yes. Foreign body removal is covered as a medical procedure. Costs are applied to your deductible and then covered at your plan's coinsurance rate. ER removal costs more due to facility fees.