Price Checker / CPT 88314
How much does Histochemical Stains Add-on cost?
CPT 88314 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is roughly 6.3x the fair price. This is well above fair — push back or dispute it.
Fair price
$260–$310
What this should cost
With insurance
~$320
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$390
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $1,818 is $1,528 over the fair price (about 6.3x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Histochemical Stains Add-on
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephens County Hospital TOCCOA, GA | $3,404 | $2,042 | 4060% |
| Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka, AL | $1,814 | — | 1008% |
| Lake Martin Community Hospital Dadeville, AL | $1,814 | — | 1008% |
| Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center TOMS RIVER, NJ | $239 | — | 192% |
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 Histochemical Stains Add-on
CPT code 88314 refers to histochemical stains add-on (billing description: "Histochemical stains add-on"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $82 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $82 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.