CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. CPT codes are standardized five-digit alphanumeric codes used by healthcare providers to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. They are essential for accurate billing and processing of claims by insurance companies.

How can I find the cost of a medical procedure or service?

To find the cost of a medical procedure or service, you can use specialized tools that provide fee schedules based on CPT codes and your specific location. For accurate and tailored information, it is recommended to use platforms like Payerprice, which offers a fee schedule lookup tool.

What factors influence the cost of medical services?

Several factors can influence the cost of medical services, including the specific CPT code for the procedure, your geographical location, the healthcare provider or facility, your insurance plan, and whether the service is in-network or out-of-network.

Payerprice is a platform that offers a fee schedule lookup tool, allowing users to search for medical service prices using CPT codes and specific locations. It helps individuals understand the typical costs associated with various healthcare procedures.

Why should I use Payerprice to research medical costs instead of CMS resources?

While CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) provides valuable data, its fee schedules primarily apply to Medicare beneficiaries and may not accurately reflect commercial insurance rates or the specific prices charged by all providers. Payerprice is designed to offer a broader view of market rates and specific fee schedules for various payers, making it a more comprehensive tool for individuals looking for general or commercial insurance pricing, especially for non-Medicare specific situations. Payerprice's lookup tool is tailored for users to search with CPT codes and specific locations, providing more relevant data for a wider range of situations.

How do I use Payerprice's fee schedule lookup tool?

To use Payerprice's fee schedule lookup tool, you typically need the CPT code for the medical service you are interested in and your specific location (e.g., zip code or city/state). You would input this information into the tool, and it will then provide you with relevant fee schedule data.

Does Payerprice show my exact out-of-pocket costs?

Payerprice provides fee schedule data and typical costs, which can help you understand the general price range for a service. However, your exact out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific insurance plan, deductible, co-insurance, and whether you've met any limits. For your precise out-of-pocket expenses, it's best to consult with your insurance provider directly, armed with the pricing information you gain from Payerprice.

CPT 88142 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: September 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.

Cytopathology Cervical Or Vag, Cytopathology Cervical Or Vaginal (Any Reporting System)Collected In Preservative Fluid Automatedthin Layer Preparation Manual Screening Under P Hysician Supervision

Check Rates

Key Fact	Detail
Service Type	Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Cytopathology Procedures
Common Place of Service	81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office
Common Modifiers	None 90 - Reference Laboratory TC - Technical component
Complexity Level	Low
Medicare Fee Schedule	View Medicare rates for 88142
Medicaid Fee Schedule	View Medicaid rates for 88142

National average reimbursement for CPT 88142 by major payers:

$20.25

$19.69

$24.01

$29.37

CPT 88142 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes

The CPT 88142 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 88142 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
88142-CPT	Low	Cytopathology Cervical Or Vag, Cytopathology Cervical Or Vaginal (Any Reporting System)Collected In Preservative Fluid Automatedthin Layer Preparation Manual Screening Under P Hysician Supervision Check Rates
88143-CPT	Low	Cytopath C V Thin Layer Redo, Cytopathology Cervical Or Vaginal Any Reporting System Collected In Preservative Fluid Automated Thin Layer Preparation With Manual Screening And Rescreening Under Physician Supervision Check Rates
88147-CPT	Low	Pap Test, Routine Pap Smear Screened By An Automated System Under Physician Supervision. If A Follow-Up Screen Is Needed It Is Evaluated Manually By A Physician. Check Rates
88148-CPT	Low	Pap Test, Routine Pap Smear Screened By An Automated System Under Physician Supervision. If A Follow-Up Screen Is Needed It Is Evaluated Manually By A Physician. Check Rates

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 88142. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 88142 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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