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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 88160 Fee Schedule
Medicare rates as of October 2026
CPT 88160 is classified under Pathology and Laboratory Procedures, in the Cytopathology Procedures subgroup.
Lab Analysis Of Cell Sample, Cell Study To Determine Existence Cause Or Progression Of A Disease. Cells Are Smeared Onto A Slide Or Other Medium And Examined Microscopically. Stains May Be Used To Highlight Features.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Cytopathology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | 26 - Professional component 59 - Distinct Procedural Service |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $81.50 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 88160 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $67.385 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 88160 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88160 by major payers:
$83.23
BCBS / Anthem
$55.11
UnitedHealthcare
$71.17
Aetna
$74.21
Cigna
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CPT 88160
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Chu Chen
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
$183.75Published rateChristopher Raio
Mercy Medical Center
$51.52Published rateChristopher Raio
St Francis Hospital
$34.63Published rateKevin Schlessel
Columbus Arthritis Center
$24.58Published rateChristopher Raio
St Joseph Hospital
$12.14Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88160 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The table lists codes related to 88160. Select one to see its fee schedule.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 88160-CPT | Low | Lab Analysis Of Cell Sample, Cell Study To Determine Existence Cause Or Progression Of A Disease. Cells Are Smeared Onto A Slide Or Other Medium And Examined Microscopically. Stains May Be Used To Highlight Features. |
| 88161-CPT | Low | Lab Analysis Of Cell Sample, Cell Study To Determine Existence Cause Or Progression Of A Disease. Cells Are Smeared Onto A Slide Or Other Medium And Examined Microscopically. Stains May Be Used To Highlight Features. |
| 88162-CPT | Low | Lab Analysis Of Cell Sample, Cell Study To Determine Existence Cause Or Progression Of A Disease. Cells Are Smeared Onto A Slide Or Other Medium And Examined Microscopically. Stains May Be Used To Highlight Features. |
| 88164-CPT | Low | Pap Test, A Pap Test (Or Pap Smear) Is A Procedure Where Cells Are Collected From The Cervix (Uterus) Or Vagina To Test For Cancer Or Pre-Cancerous Cells And Done Under Physician Supervision. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 88160. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88160 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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