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CPT code 88291: Cytogenetic report, interpretation and report2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in South Carolina

Report this service for professional interpretation of cytogenetic or molecular cytogenetic study findings, with a written report distinct from laboratory testing.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality60.6K Medicare services in 2024

In South Carolina, Medicare pays $31.80 for 88291 in the office and $31.80 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$31.80Office (non-facility)
$31.80Hospital or facility
−3.8%vs the national office rate ($33.07)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 88291 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 88291 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in South Carolina
  2. What 88291 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 88291 covers

A qualified interpreting professional reviews results from cytogenetic or molecular cytogenetic testing, interprets the findings, and prepares a report. The studies may involve chromosome analysis or molecular cytogenetic methods such as DNA-probe testing. These services are commonly performed through clinical laboratories serving hospitals, physician practices, and other diagnostic settings; the interpretation may inform evaluation of suspected chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic conditions.

Report 88291 for the interpretation and report, not for specimen processing or the laboratory testing itself. The documentation should support the study reviewed, the interpreting professional’s findings, and the resulting report. CMS identifies 88291 as a professional-component-only code; the technical portion is reported separately using the code for the test performed. Select that technical code according to the method and study, such as DNA-probe testing or chromosome analysis. The professional interpretation and the technical service may therefore appear as separate lines for the same study.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How South Carolina compares for 88291

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 88291 runs from $30.58 in Arkansas to $42.28 in Alaska. South Carolina pays $31.80. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

88291 in South Carolina vs other payment areas
  1. South Carolina · this page$31.80
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$36.35+$4.55
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$36.80+$5.00
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$34.72+$2.92
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$34.13+$2.33
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$37.04+$5.24
  7. Alaska · Alaska$42.28+$10.48

Other areas in South Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

88291 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$30.86$30.86
ArkansasArkansas$30.58$30.58
ArizonaArizona$32.49$32.49
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$34.60$34.60
Chico, CACalifornia$34.52$34.52
El Centro, CACalifornia$34.52$34.52
Fresno, CACalifornia$34.52$34.52
Hanford, CACalifornia$34.52$34.52

88291 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$30.58

$42.28

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
88291 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$42.281
AL$30.861
AR$30.581
AZ$32.491
CA$34.52–$41.4229
CO$34.111
CT$34.731
DC$36.801
DE$32.901
FL$32.73–$34.723
GA$31.54–$33.502
GU$34.891
HI$34.891
IA$31.361
ID$31.491
IL$32.11–$34.134
IN$31.601
KS$31.261
KY$31.301
LA$31.27–$32.252
MA$34.02–$36.672
MD$33.37–$36.803
ME$31.59–$32.682
MI$31.82–$32.992
MN$33.041
MO$30.93–$32.333
MS$30.761
MT$33.071
NC$31.801
ND$32.671
NE$31.471
NH$33.611
NJ$35.23–$36.642
NM$31.931
NV$32.971
NY$32.10–$37.635
OH$31.741
OK$31.271
OR$32.81–$34.872
PA$31.77–$34.132
PR$33.231
RI$33.831
SC$31.801
SD$32.621
TN$31.361
TX$31.64–$33.928
UT$32.081
VA$32.61–$36.802
VI$33.231
VT$32.581
WA$33.94–$37.282
WI$31.961
WV$31.341
WY$32.891

See 88291 in every payment locality

How the 88291 rate is calculated

Each of 88291’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 88291

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.51

0.51 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.46

0.46 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.02

0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

0.9900

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$33.07

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact South Carolina inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

11,195

Code
88291
Physician work
0.51
Practice expense
0.46
Malpractice
0.02

GPCI2026.csv

93

Locality
South Carolina
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.924
Malpractice
0.850
Office calculation for 88291 in South Carolina
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.51× 1.0000.5100
Practice expense0.46× 0.9240.4250
Malpractice0.02× 0.8500.0170
Total RVUs0.9520
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, South Carolina$31.80

Office: (0.51 × 1 + 0.46 × 0.924 + 0.02 × 0.85) × $33.4009 = $31.80

Facility: (0.51 × 1 + 0.46 × 0.924 + 0.02 × 0.85) × $33.4009 = $31.80

Open 88291 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 88291

The CMS indicators that decide how 88291 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 88291

Cytogenetic report, interpretation and report

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical2Professional component only.

Codes related to 88291

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 88291
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, South Carolina
Often billed with
88271DNA probe, each probeDNA-probe testing may have a separately reported interpretation and report.$21.42
88272Cytogenetics, three to five cellsA cytogenetic testing service that may be paired with professional interpretation.$40.70
88273Chromosome probe test, 10–30 cells analyzedA cytogenetic testing service that may be paired with professional interpretation.$34.81
88274Interphase FISH, 25–99 cells analyzedA cytogenetic testing service that may be paired with professional interpretation.$42.38
88275Interphase ISH, 100–300 cellsA cytogenetic testing service that may be paired with professional interpretation.$51.19
88280Karyotype study, additional studyChromosome analysis may have a separately reported interpretation and report.$33.47

How 88291 has changed in South Carolina

88291 · Office / nonfacility

$31.80

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.28 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $31.52 to $31.80 (0.9%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $31.52changed to$31.80

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.52 changed to 0.51
    • Practice expense RVU 0.48 changed to 0.46
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.913 changed to 0.924
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.817 changed to 0.850

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $31.83changed to$31.52

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 0.46 changed to 0.48

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $31.31changed to$31.83

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $31.06changed to$31.31

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.42 changed to 0.46
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.913
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.756 changed to 0.817

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $31.77changed to$31.06

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.41 changed to 0.42
    • Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.02
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.903 changed to 0.908
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.756

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $32.03changed to$31.77

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $32.86changed to$32.03

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.04
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.907 changed to 0.903
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.624 changed to 0.695

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $32.29changed to$32.86

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.40 changed to 0.41
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.03
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.912 changed to 0.907
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.553 changed to 0.624

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $32.25changed to$32.29

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $31.55changed to$32.25

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.38 changed to 0.40
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.634 changed to 0.553

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $30.89changed to$31.55

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 0.36 changed to 0.38
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.715 changed to 0.634

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $30.67changed to$30.89

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 0.35 changed to 0.36

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $30.52changed to$30.67

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $29.74changed to$30.52

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 0.32 changed to 0.35
    • Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.02
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.911 changed to 0.912
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.715

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $29.05changed to$29.74

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.35 changed to 0.32
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.909 changed to 0.911
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.520 changed to 0.618

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $29.05

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$31.80$31.80RVU26D
2026-07-01$31.80$31.80RVU26C
2026-04-01$31.80$31.80RVU26B
2026-01-01$31.80$31.80RVU26A
2025-10-01$31.52$31.52RVU25D
2025-07-01$31.52$31.52RVU25C
2025-04-01$31.52$31.52RVU25B
2025-01-01$31.52$31.52RVU25A
2024-10-01$31.83$31.83RVU24D
2024-07-01$31.83$31.83RVU24C
2024-04-01$31.83$31.83RVU24B
2024-03-09$31.83$31.83RVU24AR
2024-01-01$31.31$31.31RVU24A
2023-10-01$31.06$31.06RVU23D
2023-07-01$31.06$31.06RVU23C
2023-04-01$31.06$31.06RVU23B
2023-01-01$31.06$31.06RVU23A
2022-10-01$31.77$31.77RVU22D
2022-07-01$31.77$31.77RVU22C
2022-04-01$31.77$31.77RVU22B
2022-01-01$31.77$31.77RVU22A
2021-10-01$32.03$32.03RVU21D
2021-07-01$32.03$32.03RVU21C
2021-04-01$32.03$32.03RVU21B
2021-01-01$32.03$32.03RVU21A
2020-10-01$32.86$32.86RVU20D
2020-07-01$32.86$32.86RVU20C
2020-04-01$32.86$32.86RVU20B
2020-01-01$32.86$32.86RVU20A
2019-10-01$32.29$32.29RVU19D
2019-07-01$32.29$32.29RVU19C
2019-04-01$32.29$32.29RVU19B
2019-01-01$32.29$32.29RVU19A
2018-10-01$32.25$32.25RVU18D
2018-07-01$32.25$32.25RVU18C
2018-04-01$32.25$32.25RVU18B
2018-01-01$32.25$32.25RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$31.55$31.55RVU17D
2017-07-01$31.55$31.55RVU17C
2017-04-01$31.55$31.55RVU17B
2017-01-01$31.55$31.55RVU17A
2016-10-01$30.89$30.89RVU16D
2016-07-01$30.89$30.89RVU16C
2016-04-01$30.89$30.89RVU16B
2016-01-01$30.89$30.89RVU16A
2015-10-01$30.67$30.67RVU15D
2015-07-01$30.67$30.67RVU15C
2015-04-01$30.52$30.52RVU15B
2015-01-01$30.52$30.52RVU15A
2014-10-01$29.74$29.74RVU14D
2014-07-01$29.74$29.74RVU14C
2014-04-01$29.74$29.74RVU14B
2014-01-01$29.74$29.74RVU14A
2013-10-01$29.05$29.05RVU13D
2013-07-01$29.05$29.05RVU13C
2013-04-01$29.05$29.05RVU13B
2013-01-01$29.05$29.05RVU13AR

Price 88291 for an earlier date of service

Where the South Carolina rate applies

South Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 475 cities and communities in South Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Abbeville
  • Abney Crossroads
  • Adams Run
  • Aiken
  • Alcolu
  • Allendale
  • Anderson
  • Andrews

Browse all communities in South Carolina

88291 billing questions

How is 88291 different from 88271?

88291 represents interpretation and reporting. 88271 describes DNA-probe testing, the technical service, when that method is performed.

Does 88291 include laboratory testing or specimen processing?

No. CMS identifies 88291 as professional-component-only; the technical portion is coded separately based on the cytogenetic method performed.

What documentation supports reporting 88291?

Keep the interpreted study results and the written report documenting the professional findings. The record should identify the study being interpreted.

Can 88291 be reported with chromosome analysis?

Yes, when the professional interpretation and report are performed for a chromosome analysis study. Report the applicable technical service separately.

Does 88291 represent a count of cells or probes?

No. It represents the interpretation and report; cell counts or probe details belong to selection of the separate technical study code.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 88291PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 11,195 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for South CarolinaGPCI2026.csv, line 93 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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