Price Checker / CPT 88162
How much does Cytopath Smear Other Source cost?
CPT 88162 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
A fair cash price for this is roughly $200–$240.
Fair price
$200–$240
What this should cost
With insurance
~$310
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$300
Push back above this
Were you billed for this procedure?
Send us your bill and we'll compare every line item against Medicare rates and your hospital's published prices. Free review, no obligation.
About Cytopath Smear Other Source
CPT code 88162 refers to cytopath smear other source (billing description: "Cytopath smear other source"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $128 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $128 in a doctor's office.
The Medicare rate is the closest thing to an objective "what this work is actually worth." A fair cash price for the uninsured is generally 1.5–3x that rate. Hospital sticker (gross) charges are often far higher — but almost nobody actually pays them.
What to do if you were overcharged
- 1Send us your bill — we'll identify this code and compare it against the rates shown above.
- 2Get a dispute letter — citing the Medicare rate and your hospital's own published pricing data.
- 3We negotiate for you — 25% of savings, no savings = no fee.