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Cell Examination of a Fluid or Washing Sample

North Carolina rates for HCPCS 88106

Microscopic examination of loose cells collected in a fluid sample, a washing, or a brushing taken from inside the body. The laboratory passes the sample through a fine filter to trap the cells, and a pathologist then examines and reports on them. It is used to look for cancer cells, infection, or inflammation without removing a piece of tissue.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Cell Examination of a Fluid or Washing Sample cost?

$51.29

Typical negotiated rate. In North Carolina, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $51.29 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $51.29 to $79.43.

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 $51 · 10th to 90th $45 to $117
$50$100$200$500professional $51

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
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$12.30
Median
$15.14
Typical High
$16.60
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$44.67
Median
$51.29
Typical High
$85.11
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$44.67
Typical High
$114.82
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$112.20
Median
$112.20
Typical High
$128.82
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$51.29
Typical High
$53.70
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$17.38
Typical High
$17.38
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$56.23
Typical High
$120.23
Wellcare
Setting
Facility
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$117.49
Median
$117.49
Typical High
$117.49
Wellcare
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$426.58
Median
$426.58
Typical High
$602.56

Where North Carolina 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.

North Carolina· 44th of 51

$51.29

MN $148OK $45.71

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.