Tonsils, Adenoids & Ear Tubes: Pediatric ENT in Sarasota–Bradenton
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Tonsils, Adenoids & Ear Tubes: Pediatric ENT in Sarasota

Overview

What are tonsils, adenoids & ear tubes: pediatric ent?

Recurrent ear infections, big tonsils and trouble sleeping send a lot of local kids to the ENT.

Several Sarasota-Bradenton ENTs treat children, including Dr. Chad Marrs, Dr. Andrew Marlowe and the physicians at ENT Associates of Manatee. The most common pediatric procedures are ear tube placement for chronic ear infections or fluid, and tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for recurrent infections or sleep-disordered breathing. These are routine, usually outpatient operations, but cost depends heavily on the facility and anesthesia. Most are covered by insurance when medically indicated.

Compare options

Your options.

Ear tube placement (myringotomy with tubes)

Tiny tubes inserted to drain fluid and prevent recurrent ear infections; brief outpatient procedure under light anesthesia.

Often quick; cost driven mainly by facility and anesthesia fees. $2,000-$4,500
Tonsillectomy

Removal of the tonsils for recurrent infection or obstructive sleep issues.

Insured out-of-pocket commonly $1,200-$3,500 after deductible. $4,000-$12,000
Adenoidectomy

Removal of the adenoids, often combined with tonsillectomy or ear tubes.

Frequently bundled with other pediatric ENT procedures. $2,500-$6,000
Combined tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy (T&A)

Both removed in one operation, a very common pediatric ENT surgery.

Single anesthesia event keeps combined cost lower than two separate surgeries. $4,500-$12,000
Real Sarasota pricing

What tonsils, adenoids & ear tubes: pediatric ent costs.

Option
Typical range
Notes
Tonsillectomy (total, 2026)
$4,000-$12,000
Varies with facility, anesthesia and surgeon fees; insured patients typically pay $1,200-$3,500 out of pocket.
Ear tube placement
$2,000-$4,500
Outpatient; facility and anesthesia are the main cost drivers.
Adenoidectomy
$2,500-$6,000
Often combined with tonsillectomy or ear tubes for one anesthesia event.

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How to choose

Board certification, explained.

A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.

ABMS member-board certification
The ABMS oversees 24 specialty boards (internal medicine, surgery, radiology, OB-GYN, and more). Certification in the relevant specialty — confirmed at certificationmatters.org — is the core credential to look for.
Board certified vs. board eligible
“Board eligible” means residency is complete but the certifying exam is not yet passed; “board certified” is the finished credential. Most boards also require ongoing Maintenance of Certification.
Fellowship & subspecialty training
Additional 1–3 year fellowships add focused expertise (e.g., interventional cardiology, surgical oncology, electrophysiology). Match the subspecialty to your specific condition.
Questions to ask your doctor
  1. Are you board certified by the ABMS board for this specialty?
  2. How often do you treat my specific condition or perform this procedure?
  3. What does the full course of treatment involve, and what are the alternatives?
  4. Will this be covered by my insurance, and what should I expect to owe?
Your questions

Tonsils, Adenoids & Ear Tubes: Pediatric ENT FAQs.

When do ear tubes become necessary?+

ENTs typically consider tubes after repeated ear infections or persistent fluid that affects hearing. An exam and hearing test guide the decision.

Is tonsillectomy still common for children?+

Yes, especially for recurrent strep infections or obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Your ENT will weigh frequency of infections and sleep symptoms.

How long is recovery from a tonsillectomy?+

Children often need about 7-10 days, with throat soreness and the need for plenty of fluids. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Are these procedures covered by insurance?+

They generally are when medically necessary, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and the facility. Confirm benefits beforehand.

Which local ENTs treat children?+

Several do, including Dr. Marrs, Dr. Marlowe and the ENT Associates of Manatee group. Confirm pediatric experience when booking.

Is this medical advice?+

No. This is general information for research only, not medical advice. Discuss your child's care with a qualified ENT physician.

References & sources

Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.

American Academy of Otolaryngology — ENThealth ↗AAO-HNS ↗
Boards & certification

Choose a board-certified doctor — and verify it yourself:

ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.
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