CGHS Rates for Nasal & Sinus Surgery (Non-Cosmetic)

Navigating the costs of medical procedures can be complex. For Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries, understanding the approved rates for specialized surgeries is crucial for financial planning and accessing care at empanelled hospitals. This guide focuses on the CGHS rates for a range of non-cosmetic nasal and sinus surgeries.

These procedures are performed to address functional problems related to breathing, chronic infections, structural abnormalities, or obstructions, rather than for aesthetic enhancement. This page covers treatments such as non-cosmetic rhinoplasty for breathing difficulties, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for blocked tear ducts, septal perforation repair, and management of conditions like atrophic and vasomotor rhinitis.

The rate table provided lists the specific financial ceilings for each procedure under CGHS. The rates vary depending on the hospital's accreditation (NABH or non-NABH) and the city in which the hospital is located. This guide will help you understand what is covered, what might require separate payment, and how to utilize your CGHS benefits for these ENT procedures.

CGHS Nasal & Sinus Surgery Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

ENT codes carry no separate super-speciality rate.

• Removal of foreign body From Nose, Non-NABH — Rs 595
• Removal of foreign body From Nose, NABH — Rs 700
• Rhinoplasty- Non-cosmetic, Non-NABH — Rs 29,750
• Rhinoplasty- Non-cosmetic, NABH — Rs 35,000
• Intra Nasal Diathermy, Non-NABH — Rs 5,100
• Intra Nasal Diathermy, NABH — Rs 6,000
• Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), Non-NABH — Rs 29,750
• Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), NABH — Rs 35,000
• Septal Perforation Repair, Non-NABH — Rs 23,375
• Septal Perforation Repair, NABH — Rs 27,500
• Antrum Puncture, Non-NABH — Rs 2,550
• Antrum Puncture, NABH — Rs 3,000
• Lateral Rhinotomy, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• Lateral Rhinotomy, NABH — Rs 20,000
• Polyp removal Nose (Septal polyp), Non-NABH — Rs 7,225
• Polyp removal Nose (Septal polyp), NABH — Rs 8,500
• Young's operation for Atrophic rhinitis, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• Young's operation for Atrophic rhinitis, NABH — Rs 20,000
• Vidian neurectomy for vasomotor Rhinitis, Non-NABH — Rs 23,375
• Vidian neurectomy for vasomotor Rhinitis, NABH — Rs 27,500
• Nasal Packing-anterior, Non-NABH — Rs 2,125
• Nasal Packing-anterior, NABH — Rs 2,500
• Nasal Packing-Posterior, Non-NABH — Rs 2,550
• Nasal Packing-Posterior, NABH — Rs 3,000

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Who this covers

This rate guide is intended for CGHS beneficiaries who have been medically advised to undergo specific surgical procedures related to the nose and sinuses for functional reasons. The procedures listed are for patients experiencing conditions such as:

• Chronic nasal obstruction due to structural issues that can be corrected with non-cosmetic rhinoplasty.

• Persistent watery eyes and infections caused by a blocked tear duct, requiring an endoscopic DCR.

• A hole or perforation in the nasal septum that causes crusting, bleeding, or whistling, necessitating a septal perforation repair.

• Severe, chronic rhinitis (atrophic or vasomotor) that has not responded to medical management and requires surgical intervention like Young's operation or Vidian neurectomy.

• The presence of a foreign object in the nasal cavity that needs professional removal.

• Nasal polyps or severe sinus issues requiring procedures like antrum puncture or lateral rhinotomy.

• Severe nosebleeds requiring anterior or posterior nasal packing.

This guide does not cover procedures performed for purely cosmetic reasons.

What CGHS covers vs. what you pay separately

The CGHS package rates are designed to be comprehensive, covering the main components of a surgical procedure. Typically, the approved rate includes the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia charges, operation theatre costs, standard medications, and room rent for a specified duration of hospital stay.

However, it is important to be aware that certain items may not be included in the package rate and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. These often include high-value consumables, specific types of implants, or specialized stents that might be used during the surgery. For instance, in a DCR or septal repair, while the procedure itself is covered, any advanced materials or specific stents used might be billed separately.

The cost of pre-operative investigations and post-operative medications prescribed upon discharge may also be separate from the surgical package. Beneficiaries should have a detailed discussion with the hospital administration before the procedure to get a clear estimate of any non-covered expenses.

How to use this at a CGHS-empanelled hospital

To avail of these procedures at the approved CGHS rates, beneficiaries should follow a standard process at a CGHS-empanelled hospital.

First, obtain a valid referral for the specific procedure from a government specialist or a CGHS Wellness Centre. This documentation is mandatory for planned surgeries.

Upon arrival at the empanelled hospital of your choice, present your CGHS card and the referral letter at the admissions or billing desk. Clearly state the procedure you are scheduled for.

It is advisable to confirm the procedure code and the corresponding rate with the hospital staff to ensure it matches the information in the CGHS list. The rate applicable—whether NABH or non-NABH—is determined by the hospital's own accreditation status, not by patient preference.

Before giving final consent for the procedure, request a written breakdown of the costs. This should clearly show the amount covered by the CGHS package and any additional charges for items not included in the package that you will need to pay for separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes covered under CGHS?

No, CGHS only covers non-cosmetic rhinoplasty. This means the surgery must be medically necessary to correct a functional issue, such as a breathing obstruction caused by a nasal deformity, and not for changing the appearance of the nose.

What is Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?

Endoscopic DCR is a minimally invasive surgery performed to treat a blocked tear duct. It creates a new passage for tears to drain directly into the nose, relieving symptoms of excessive watering and recurrent eye infections. The endoscopic approach avoids external skin incisions.

What is the difference between anterior and posterior nasal packing?

Anterior nasal packing is used to control bleeding from the front part of the nose. Posterior packing is a more complex procedure used for severe nosebleeds originating from the back of the nasal cavity. The different rates reflect the increased complexity and resources required for posterior packing.

My doctor suggested Vidian neurectomy. Is this a major surgery?

Vidian neurectomy is a specialized surgical procedure for severe cases of non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis that do not respond to other treatments. It involves cutting the Vidian nerve to reduce chronic runny nose and congestion. It is considered when other medical options have been exhausted.

What should I do if a hospital refuses to honor the CGHS rate for a listed procedure?

CGHS-empanelled hospitals are obligated to provide services at the approved rates for the package components. If you face a discrepancy, first speak with the hospital's CGHS helpdesk or medical superintendent. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a grievance with the Additional Director of your CGHS city.

Does the CGHS rate cover the cost of a septal button used in a septal perforation repair?

The CGHS package rate covers the surgical procedure for septal perforation repair. However, the cost of specific materials like a silicone septal button (if used) might be considered a consumable and billed separately. Confirm this with the hospital's billing department before the procedure.

Related

• How to apply for a CGHS card
• CGHS rate list for common procedures
• CGHS vs Ayushman Bharat: what's the difference

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.