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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 88173 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.
Confirm Sample Quality, Immediate Exam By A Technician To Evaluate The Quality Of Cells Collected With A Hollow Needle. Good Quality Samples Are Sent To A Lab For Thorough Study Including Preparation Of A Written Interpretation And Report.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Cytopathology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 81 - Independent Laboratory |
| Common Modifiers | None 26 - Professional component TC - Technical component |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 88173 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 88173 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88173 by major payers:
$176.84
$124.87
$173.31
$162.03
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CPT 88173
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Theresa Boyle
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$190.47Published rateMelissa Miller
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$161.88Published rateMelanie Bartnick
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$84.13Published rateJules Schatz
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$84.13Published rateMaria Tataris
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$77.75Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88173 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The CPT 88173 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 88173 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 88172-CPT | Low | Confirm Sample Quality, Immediate Exam By A Technician To Evaluate The Quality Of Cells Collected With A Hollow Needle. Good Quality Samples Are Sent To A Lab For Thorough Study Including Preparation Of A Written Interpretation And Report. |
| 88173-CPT | Low | Confirm Sample Quality, Immediate Exam By A Technician To Evaluate The Quality Of Cells Collected With A Hollow Needle. Good Quality Samples Are Sent To A Lab For Thorough Study Including Preparation Of A Written Interpretation And Report. |
| 88177-CPT | Low | Pathology Test/Cell Study, Cytopathology Evaluation Of Fine Needle Aspirate; Immediate Cytohistologic Study To Determine Adequacy For Diagnosis Each Separate Additional Evaluation Episode Same Site (List Separately In Addition To Code For Primary Procedure) |
| 88184-CPT | Low | Mark Finding In Cell Study, Flow Cytometry Examines Cells Within A Stream Of Fluid. The Technique Uses Light Emissions To Collect Information. This Is Useful In Detecting Specific Disease Characteristics. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 88173. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88173 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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