CPT procedure code

88160 — Cytopathology, smears, any source, screening

PathologyCPT

Medicare payment

$81.50

2026 Physician Fee Schedule · non-facility

Source: CMS Physician Fee Schedule (PPRRVU 2026). CMS fee schedules ↗ · PFS status indicator A

National amount before geographic adjustment. Your MAC's locality rate will differ.

Code definition

Code

88160

Code system

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology)

Description

Cytopathology, smears, any source, screening

FDA Approval: HOVILPR (PRITELIVIR) — Type 1 - New Molecular Entity

Infectious Disease

Routine

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FDA Approval: ISOVUE READI (IOPAMIDOL) — Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer

Radiology

Low

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CMS Transmittal R250SOMA: Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Chapter 5

Multi-specialty

Low

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CMS Transmittal R14006FM: Notice of New Interest Rate for Medicare Overpayments and Underpayments -1st Quarter…

Multi-specialty

High

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CMS Transmittal R14007FM: Creation of the 'PROVIDER-TERMINATED' Status at the Provider/Customer Level on the Healthcare…

Multi-specialty

High

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Federal Register Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Multi-specialty

Low

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Audit documentation

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Related CPT codes (881xx)

88104Pathology

Cytopathology, fluids, washings or brushings

88108Pathology

Cytopathology, concentration technique

88112Pathology

Cytopathology, selective cellular enhancement

88141Pathology

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, physician interpretation

88142Pathology

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, thin layer preparation