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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare 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.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Cytopathology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 11 - Office 81 - Independent Laboratory |
| Common Modifiers | None TC - Technical component 26 - Professional component |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 88120 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 88120 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88120 by major payers:

$622.25

$477.05

$581.88

$612.13
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 88120.
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
Baycare Home Care Inc
Mercy Medical Center
Baptist Health Care Inc
St Francis Hospital
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88120 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The CPT 88120 code is part of the Pathology and Laboratory Procedures services used for Cytopathology Procedures. 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 88120 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 88104-CPT | Low | Study Of Cells In Body Fluid, Cells Collected From Body Fluids Are Smeared Into A Thin Layer For Viewing Under A Microscope. The Study May Identify Signs Of Problems With Surgical Wounds And Certain Cancers. |
| 88106-CPT | Low | Study Of Cells In Body Fluid, Cells Collected From Body Fluids Are Smeared Into A Thin Layer For Viewing Under A Microscope. The Study May Identify Signs Of Problems With Surgical Wounds And Certain Cancers. |
| 88120-CPT | Moderate | Cytp Urne 3 5 Probes Ea Spec, Cytopathology In Situ Hybridization Eg Fish Urinary Tract Specimen With Morphometric Analysis 3 5 Molecular Probes Each Specimen Manual |
| 88121-CPT | Moderate | Cytp Urine 3 5 Probes Cmptr, Cytopathology In Situ Hybridization Eg Fish Urinary Tract Specimen With Morphometric Analysis 3 5 Molecular Probes Each Specimen Using Computer Assisted Technology |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 88120. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88120 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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