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Fluid Cell Examination Under A Microscope

Montana rates for HCPCS 88104

This is a laboratory examination of individual cells collected from a body fluid, such as fluid drained from around the lungs or abdomen, or a washing or brushing taken during a procedure, looking for abnormal or cancerous cells under a microscope. Unlike testing a solid piece of tissue, this looks at cells that are free-floating in a liquid sample. A specialist prepares the sample onto slides and interprets what is seen.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Fluid Cell Examination Under A Microscope cost?

$120

Typical negotiated rate. In Montana, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $120 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $97.72 to $132.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Professionalmedian $120 · 10th to 90th $42 to $141
$50$100professional $120

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Each curve is scaled to its own total: facility and professional rates are different services, shown together to compare where they cluster. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$120.23
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$120.23
Typical High
$123.03
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$47.86
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$74.13
Median
$74.13
Typical High
$77.62
MountainHealth Co-op
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$104.71
Median
$128.82
Typical High
$144.54
Providence
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$63.10
Median
$107.15
Typical High
$181.97
Providence
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$61.66
Providence
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$38.02
Median
$63.10
Typical High
$123.03
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$120.23
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$18.20
Typical High
$45.71
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$23.99
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$69.18

Where Montana sits

The same service costs 3.2 times more in Minnesota than in Oklahoma. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Montana· 6th of 51

$120

MN $148OK $46.77

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.