Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, moderately low complexity
Medicare pricing data for 14,885 providers across 52 states
This procedure has a 5.3x markup — hospitals charge $110.43 but Medicare allows only $20.96. Uninsured patients may face bills 5.3 times higher than what insurance negotiates. Prices vary significantly by location — from $12 in Rhode Island to $30 in Arkansas. Where you get this procedure matters more than almost any other factor. Note: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees are billed separately and can be 2-5x the physician fee.
💡 What You Should Know
Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, moderately low complexity (HCPCS code 88304) is a medical procedure billed to Medicare. The average Medicare-allowed cost is $20.96, but hospitals typically charge $110.43 — a 5.3x markup. Prices vary significantly by state and provider.
🏷️ Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost
Medicare patients typically pay about 20% of the allowed amount as coinsurance. Based on the average allowed cost of $20.96, your out-of-pocket cost would be approximately $4.19. Actual costs depend on your specific plan, deductible, and whether you've met your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
What Hospitals Charge vs. What Medicare Pays
Hospitals charge 5.3x more than what Medicare allows for this procedure. Medicare actually pays $16.00 on average.
Cost by State
Medicare-allowed amounts vary significantly by state
| State | Allowed Cost | Hospital Charge | Providers | Services | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $30 | $75 | 168 | 22,491 | +42.7% |
| Puerto Rico | $30 | $54 | 70 | 1,259 | +41.2% |
| Wyoming | $28 | $144 | 21 | 732 | +31.8% |
| Hawaii | $28 | $82 | 71 | 2,699 | +31.2% |
| New York | $25 | $103 | 873 | 51,646 | +20.1% |
| Georgia | $24 | $107 | 340 | 22,052 | +16.1% |
| California | $24 | $110 | 1,635 | 78,118 | +16.1% |
| Florida | $24 | $111 | 859 | 72,127 | +15.0% |
| Arizona | $24 | $79 | 309 | 15,831 | +14.1% |
| Connecticut | $23 | $125 | 209 | 7,938 | +11.5% |
| Idaho | $23 | $77 | 49 | 2,116 | +11.3% |
| Texas | $23 | $143 | 1,137 | 65,806 | +11.0% |
| Alabama | $22 | $117 | 180 | 14,420 | +5.6% |
| Nevada | $22 | $144 | 97 | 4,927 | +3.9% |
| Delaware | $22 | $91 | 42 | 2,808 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $21 | $90 | 417 | 15,011 | +2.4% |
| Wisconsin | $21 | $257 | 345 | 16,721 | +0.2% |
| Maryland | $21 | $99 | 295 | 17,417 | -1.3% |
| Massachusetts | $21 | $108 | 519 | 30,838 | -1.7% |
| North Carolina | $20 | $96 | 398 | 22,138 | -3.6% |
| New Hampshire | $20 | $182 | 70 | 4,308 | -4.7% |
| Colorado | $20 | $104 | 226 | 9,983 | -5.8% |
| Oregon | $20 | $97 | 221 | 6,784 | -6.4% |
| Virginia | $19 | $100 | 307 | 14,835 | -7.3% |
| Tennessee | $19 | $91 | 434 | 25,266 | -8.6% |
| Oklahoma | $19 | $74 | 115 | 8,506 | -8.7% |
| Pennsylvania | $19 | $88 | 603 | 36,061 | -9.0% |
| New Jersey | $19 | $117 | 313 | 21,074 | -9.1% |
| Utah | $18 | $83 | 169 | 3,934 | -12.9% |
| District of Columbia | $18 | $80 | 50 | 2,202 | -13.4% |
| South Carolina | $18 | $131 | 218 | 16,009 | -14.1% |
| Ohio | $18 | $111 | 593 | 29,737 | -16.4% |
| Kansas | $17 | $97 | 153 | 9,512 | -16.7% |
| Illinois | $17 | $132 | 601 | 32,607 | -19.3% |
| Indiana | $17 | $118 | 229 | 13,042 | -20.8% |
| Michigan | $17 | $94 | 423 | 17,543 | -20.8% |
| West Virginia | $16 | $93 | 81 | 3,740 | -21.7% |
| Minnesota | $16 | $90 | 544 | 11,369 | -22.5% |
| Missouri | $16 | $122 | 305 | 14,764 | -23.5% |
| New Mexico | $16 | $106 | 70 | 3,408 | -24.0% |
| Alaska | $16 | $170 | 18 | 970 | -24.5% |
| Kentucky | $15 | $98 | 178 | 9,496 | -26.4% |
| Montana | $15 | $64 | 39 | 2,814 | -26.4% |
| Mississippi | $15 | $105 | 103 | 7,968 | -28.0% |
| Iowa | $15 | $122 | 145 | 8,400 | -29.2% |
| Louisiana | $15 | $89 | 217 | 13,146 | -29.2% |
| Nebraska | $15 | $105 | 121 | 6,429 | -29.6% |
| South Dakota | $14 | $53 | 82 | 3,500 | -34.0% |
| Maine | $14 | $55 | 75 | 2,730 | -34.5% |
| North Dakota | $13 | $69 | 48 | 3,727 | -37.2% |
| Vermont | $13 | $82 | 40 | 1,480 | -38.2% |
| Rhode Island | $12 | $114 | 52 | 1,702 | -42.3% |
⚠️ Important: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees may be billed separately. Total out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
💊 Need post-procedure medications? Check costs on OpenPrescriber