Price Checker / CPT 88312
How much does Special Stains Group 1 cost?
CPT 88312 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is in line with what this normally costs. No need to dispute.
Fair price
$210–$250
What this should cost
With insurance
~$410
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$310
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $237 is $7 over the fair price.
What hospitals charge for Special Stains Group 1
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center TOMS RIVER, NJ | $237 | — | 116% |
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 Special Stains Group 1
CPT code 88312 refers to special stains group 1 (billing description: "Special stains group 1"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $110 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $110 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.