Price Checker / CPT 88309
How much does Tissue Exam By Pathologist cost?
CPT 88309 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is about above the fair price. You have grounds to ask for a reduction.
Fair price
$990–$1,150
What this should cost
With insurance
~$114,600
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$1,450
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $1,455 is $405 over the fair price.
What hospitals charge for Tissue Exam By Pathologist
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard Memorial Hospital NASHVILLE, AR | $2,330 | — | 463% |
| SGMC Health Lanier Campus LAKELAND, GA | $1,039 | — | 169% |
| Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center TOMS RIVER, NJ | $995 | — | 141% |
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 Tissue Exam By Pathologist
CPT code 88309 refers to tissue exam by pathologist (billing description: "Tissue exam by pathologist"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $414 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $414 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.