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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 38500 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Lymph Node Surgery, Surgery On A Lymph Node. The Node May Be Removed Entirely Or A Sample Of The Tissue May Be Taken For Testing (Biopsy).
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 24 - Ambulatory Surgical Center |
| Common Modifiers | LT - Left side of body RT - Right side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $369.41 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 38500 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $281.78 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 38500 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 38500 by major payers:
$429.57
$430.51
$467.66
$410.27
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CPT 38500
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Physicians West Surgicenter, LLC
$6,259.00Published rateThe Regents Of The University Of California, Ucla Dept Of Medicine
$2,044.00Published rateOmaha Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC
$1,223.00Published rateMemorialcare Surgical Center At Saddleback LLC, Laguna Niguel Surgery Center
$935.00Published rateFreeway Surgicenter Of Houston, LLC, Surgery Center Of Southwest Houston
Freeway Surgicenter Of Houston LLC
$330.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 38500 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Codes
The CPT 38500 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 38500 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 38241-CPT | Moderate | Bone Marrow Or Blood-Derived P, Bone Marrow Or Blood-Derived Peripheral Stem Celltransplantation Autologous Bone Marrow Or Blood-Derived Peripheral Stem Cell |
| 38500-CPT | Moderate | Lymph Node Surgery, Surgery On A Lymph Node. The Node May Be Removed Entirely Or A Sample Of The Tissue May Be Taken For Testing (Biopsy). |
| 38505-CPT | Low | Lymph Node Surgery, Surgery On A Lymph Node. The Node May Be Removed Entirely Or A Sample Of The Tissue May Be Taken For Testing (Biopsy). |
| 38510-CPT | Moderate | Deep Lymph Node Surgery, Surgery On A Lymph Node Located Deep In The Neck (Cervical). The Node May Be Removed Entirely Along With Nearby Tissue. Alternatively A Sample Of The Tissue May Be Taken For Testing (Biopsy). |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 38500. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 38500 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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