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Tissue Sample Examination by a Pathologist

South Dakota rates for HCPCS 88305

The laboratory examination of a tissue sample removed during a biopsy or procedure, in which a pathologist looks at both the specimen itself and thin slices of it under a microscope to reach a diagnosis. It covers a wide range of common tissue types and biopsy specimens sent for routine evaluation, such as skin lesions or samples taken during endoscopy. The written pathology report from this exam is used to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Tissue Sample Examination by a Pathologist cost?

$117

Typical negotiated rate. In South Dakota, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $117 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $77.62 to $191.

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 8 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $115 · 10th to 90th $79 to $191Professionalmedian $117 · 10th to 90th $51 to $263
$50$100$200facility $115professional $117

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. Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$81.28
Typical High
$263.03
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$34.67
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$100.00
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$25.70
Typical High
$25.70
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$97.72
Typical High
$120.23
Avera
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$63.10
Median
$120.23
Typical High
$131.83
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$95.50
Median
$125.89
Typical High
$194.98
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$46.77
Median
$66.07
Typical High
$97.72
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$47.86
Median
$61.66
Typical High
$97.72
Medica
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$79.43
Median
$114.82
Typical High
$190.55
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$42.66
Median
$128.82
Typical High
$263.03
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$93.33
Typical High
$158.49
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$95.50
Typical High
$346.74
Midlands
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$120.23
Typical High
$125.89
Midlands
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$63.10
Median
$69.18
Typical High
$69.18
Midlands
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$51.29
Typical High
$61.66
Sanford Health Plan
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$100.00
Median
$131.83
Typical High
$158.49
Sanford Health Plan
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$46.77
Median
$63.10
Typical High
$69.18
Sanford Health Plan
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$42.66
Median
$67.61
Typical High
$87.10
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$42.66
Median
$67.61
Typical High
$204.17
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$21.38
Median
$38.02
Typical High
$100.00
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$21.38
Typical High
$79.43
Wellmark
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$123.03
Median
$151.36
Typical High
$158.49
Wellmark
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$61.66
Median
$75.86
Typical High
$79.43
Wellmark
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$61.66
Median
$74.13
Typical High
$79.43

Where South Dakota sits

The same service costs 2.8 times more in North Dakota than in Alabama. 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 Dakota· 10th of 51

$117

ND $162AL $58.88

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.