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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 88177 Fee Schedule
Medicare rates as of October 2026
CPT 88177 is classified under Pathology and Laboratory Procedures, in the Cytopathology Procedures subgroup.
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)
| 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 | $29.06 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 88177 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $24.19 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 88177 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88177 by major payers:
$34.98
BCBS / Anthem
$25.57
UnitedHealthcare
$32.16
Aetna
$39.53
Cigna
Compare published rates across providers.
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 88177.
CPT 88177
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Rohit Sharma
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst Life Time Cancer Scrn Ctr Inc
$28.54Published rateChongjia Chen
Head And Neck Associates Of Orange County, Inc.
$18.73Published rateChongjia Chen
Head And Neck Associates Of Orange County, Inc.
$14.39Published rateDennis Crockett
Head And Neck Associates Of Orange County, Inc.
$4.34Published rateAlissa Tucciarone
Slocum Dickson Medical Group PLLC
$4.11Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88177 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The table lists codes related to 88177. Select one to see its fee schedule.
| 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 88177. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88177 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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