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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 88161 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.
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 | 11 - Office 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | None XU - Unusual Non-Overlapping Service 26 - Professional component |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 88161 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 88161 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88161 by major payers:
$84.25
$53.99
$70.53
$74.56
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CPT 88161
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Ahmad Tarhini
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$83.98Published rateNancy Gardner
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$71.38Published rateMayrin Correa Medina
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$51.40Published rateBijal Shah
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$32.58Published rateStephanee Smikker
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$27.69Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88161 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The CPT 88161 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 88161 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 88161. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88161 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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