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Pathologist Review of a Needle Aspiration Sample

South Carolina rates for HCPCS 88173

This is the laboratory service in which a pathologist examines cells collected during a fine-needle aspiration, a procedure where a thin needle draws a small sample of cells from a lump or area of concern. The pathologist interprets what is seen under the microscope and issues a written report.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Pathologist Review of a Needle Aspiration Sample cost?

$135

Typical negotiated rate. In South Carolina, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $135 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $117 to $166.

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 7 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $145 · 10th to 90th $83 to $234Professionalmedian $135 · 10th to 90th $117 to $251
$50$100$200facility $145professional $135

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
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$117.49
Median
$134.90
Typical High
$251.19
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$52.48
Median
$66.07
Typical High
$281.84
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$61.66
Median
$66.07
Typical High
$97.72
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$79.43
Median
$79.43
Typical High
$158.49
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$70.79
Typical High
$74.13
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$93.33
Median
$123.03
Typical High
$194.98
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$64.57
Median
$104.71
Typical High
$194.98
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$2.04
Median
$93.33
Typical High
$398.11
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$60.26
Median
$74.13
Typical High
$177.83
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$36.31
Typical High
$109.65
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$26.30
Median
$38.02
Typical High
$97.72
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$83.18
Median
$144.54
Typical High
$234.42
Molina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$32.36
Median
$32.36
Typical High
$33.11
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$79.43
Median
$141.25
Typical High
$309.03
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$39.81
Median
$83.18
Typical High
$363.08
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$42.66
Median
$69.18
Typical High
$151.36

Where South Carolina sits

The same service costs 3.5 times more in South Dakota 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.

South Carolina· 36th of 51

$135

SD $380OK $110

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.