CPT code 88332: Frozen section, each additional tissue block2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Hawaii, Guam, HI
Reports a pathologist’s intraoperative frozen-section examination of each additional tissue block beyond the initial block, such as when assessing surgical margins.
In Hawaii, Guam, HI, Medicare pays $57.74 for 88332 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 88332 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 88332 covers
A pathologist uses this service during an operation to examine an additional tissue block by frozen section and provide an immediate diagnostic opinion to the surgeon. It is commonly used when further tissue is submitted to assess a margin or clarify an intraoperative finding. The work may occur in a hospital or other surgical setting with the specimen processed and examined while the procedure is underway.
Report 88332 for each additional block examined after the initial block, typically with 88331 for the first block. The operative and pathology records should support the number of distinct blocks examined and the intraoperative interpretation communicated to the surgical team. For Medicare, modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, modifier TC identifies the technical service, and reporting without either modifier represents the global service. CMS separately prices the 26 and TC components.
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 Hawaii, Guam, HI compares for 88332
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 88332 runs from $48.41 in Arkansas to $70.03 in San Benito County, CA. Hawaii, Guam, HI pays $57.74. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Hawaii, Guam, HI · this page$57.74
- Los Angeles, CA · California$60.12+$2.38
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$60.51+$2.77
- Miami, FL · Florida$55.83−$1.91
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$54.61−$3.13
- Manhattan, NY · New York$60.48+$2.74
- Alaska · Alaska$65.00+$7.26
Other areas in Hawaii first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $48.98 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $48.41 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $52.31 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $56.75 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $64.95 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $59.81 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $56.90 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $59.27 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $59.04 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $60.26 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $68.61 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $68.59 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $70.03 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $69.93 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $58.10 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $60.72 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $59.22 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $61.33 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $64.92 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $56.67 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $55.67 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $56.54 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $53.07 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $54.42 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $52.31 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $54.17 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $49.96 | — |
| IowaIowa | $50.20 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $50.42 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $51.45 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $50.91 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $54.99 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $50.66 | — |
| KansasKansas | $49.90 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $49.68 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $51.56 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $49.57 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $60.64 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $55.39 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $56.35 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $53.98 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $50.52 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $52.89 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $52.73 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $50.62 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $53.94 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $51.39 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $51.84 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $48.81 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $48.62 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $53.44 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $50.96 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $53.04 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $50.45 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $54.73 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $60.05 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $57.35 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $50.80 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $53.36 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $61.57 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $57.63 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $61.06 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $51.57 | — |
| OhioOhio | $50.54 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $49.72 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $57.29 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $53.11 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $55.29 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $50.67 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $53.80 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $54.84 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $50.80 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $53.00 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $50.09 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $55.34 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $50.39 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $53.15 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $53.39 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $53.06 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $53.25 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $53.61 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $51.67 | — |
| UtahUtah | $51.37 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $52.68 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $53.80 | — |
| VermontVermont | $52.78 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $55.30 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $61.87 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $51.58 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $49.35 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $53.27 | — |
88332 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
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.
$48.41
$65.00
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $65.00 | 1 |
| AL | $48.98 | 1 |
| AR | $48.41 | 1 |
| AZ | $52.31 | 1 |
| CA | $56.67–$70.03 | 29 |
| CO | $55.67 | 1 |
| CT | $56.54 | 1 |
| DC | $60.51 | 1 |
| DE | $53.07 | 1 |
| FL | $52.31–$55.83 | 3 |
| GA | $49.96–$54.17 | 2 |
| GU | $57.74 | 1 |
| HI | $57.74 | 1 |
| IA | $50.20 | 1 |
| ID | $50.42 | 1 |
| IL | $50.91–$54.99 | 4 |
| IN | $50.66 | 1 |
| KS | $49.90 | 1 |
| KY | $49.68 | 1 |
| LA | $49.57–$51.56 | 2 |
| MA | $55.39–$60.64 | 2 |
| MD | $53.98–$60.51 | 3 |
| ME | $50.52–$52.89 | 2 |
| MI | $50.62–$52.73 | 2 |
| MN | $53.94 | 1 |
| MO | $48.81–$51.84 | 3 |
| MS | $48.62 | 1 |
| MT | $53.44 | 1 |
| NC | $50.96 | 1 |
| ND | $53.04 | 1 |
| NE | $50.45 | 1 |
| NH | $54.73 | 1 |
| NJ | $57.35–$60.05 | 2 |
| NM | $50.80 | 1 |
| NV | $53.36 | 1 |
| NY | $51.57–$61.57 | 5 |
| OH | $50.54 | 1 |
| OK | $49.72 | 1 |
| OR | $53.11–$57.29 | 2 |
| PA | $50.67–$55.29 | 2 |
| PR | $53.80 | 1 |
| RI | $54.84 | 1 |
| SC | $50.80 | 1 |
| SD | $53.00 | 1 |
| TN | $50.09 | 1 |
| TX | $50.39–$55.34 | 8 |
| UT | $51.37 | 1 |
| VA | $52.68–$60.51 | 2 |
| VI | $53.80 | 1 |
| VT | $52.78 | 1 |
| WA | $55.30–$61.87 | 2 |
| WI | $51.58 | 1 |
| WV | $49.35 | 1 |
| WY | $53.27 | 1 |
How the 88332 rate is calculated
Each of 88332’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 · 88332
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.58
0.58 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.00
1.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.6000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$53.44
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Hawaii, Guam, HI inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
11,239
- Code
- 88332
- Physician work
- 0.58
- Practice expense
- 1.00
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
46
- Locality
- Hawaii, Guam, HI
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.137
- Malpractice
- 0.579
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.58 | × 1.000 | 0.5800 |
| Practice expense | 1.00 | × 1.137 | 1.1370 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 0.579 | 0.0116 |
| Total RVUs | 1.7286 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Hawaii, Guam, HI$57.74
Office: (0.58 × 1 + 1 × 1.137 + 0.02 × 0.579) × $33.4009 = $57.74
Payment rules and modifiers for 88332
The CMS indicators that decide how 88332 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 88332
Frozen section, each additional tissue block
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 1 | Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 26 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
88332 without 26 · national office
$53.44
Frozen section, each additional tissue block
88332-26 · Professional component
$29.06
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 88332 has changed in Hawaii, Guam, HI
88332 · Office / nonfacility
$57.74
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.01 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $57.73 to $57.74 (0.0%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
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
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$57.73changed to$57.74
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.59 changed to 0.58
- Practice expense RVU 1.03 changed to 1.00
- Practice expense GPCI 1.149 changed to 1.137
- Malpractice GPCI 0.561 changed to 0.579
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$59.03changed to$57.73
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.02 changed to 1.03
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$58.06changed to$59.03
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$60.08changed to$58.06
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Work GPCI 1.003 changed to 1.000
- Practice expense GPCI 1.146 changed to 1.149
- Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.561
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$59.85changed to$60.08
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.98 changed to 1.02
- Work GPCI 1.010 changed to 1.003
- Practice expense GPCI 1.143 changed to 1.146
- Malpractice GPCI 0.675 changed to 0.618
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$59.95changed to$59.85
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.97 changed to 0.98
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$60.28changed to$59.95
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.93 changed to 0.97
- Work GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.010
- Practice expense GPCI 1.144 changed to 1.143
- Malpractice GPCI 0.644 changed to 0.675
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$58.90changed to$60.28
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.90 changed to 0.93
- Work GPCI 1.001 changed to 1.006
- Practice expense GPCI 1.146 changed to 1.144
- Malpractice GPCI 0.614 changed to 0.644
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$58.83changed to$58.90
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$58.10changed to$58.83
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 0.88 changed to 0.90
- Work GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.001
- Practice expense GPCI 1.154 changed to 1.146
- Malpractice GPCI 0.616 changed to 0.614
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$55.75changed to$58.10
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.82 changed to 0.88
- Work GPCI 1.003 changed to 1.002
- Practice expense GPCI 1.162 changed to 1.154
- Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.616
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$49.27changed to$55.75
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 0.66 changed to 0.82
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$49.02changed to$49.27
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$46.95changed to$49.02
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.61 changed to 0.66
- Work GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.003
- Practice expense GPCI 1.158 changed to 1.162
- Malpractice GPCI 0.659 changed to 0.618
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$46.86changed to$46.95
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.67 changed to 0.61
- Work GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.002
- Practice expense GPCI 1.154 changed to 1.158
- Malpractice GPCI 0.700 changed to 0.659
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
October 1, 2013
RVU13D
No ratechanged to$46.86
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $57.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $57.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $57.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $57.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $57.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $57.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $57.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $57.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $59.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $59.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $59.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $59.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $58.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $60.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $60.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $60.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $60.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $59.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $59.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $59.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $59.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $59.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $59.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $59.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $59.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $60.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $60.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $60.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $60.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $58.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $58.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $58.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $58.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $58.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $58.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $58.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $58.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $58.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $58.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $58.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $58.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $55.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $55.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $55.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $55.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $49.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $49.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $49.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $49.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $46.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $46.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $46.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $46.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $46.86 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Hawaii, Guam, HI rate applies
Hawaii, Guam, HI is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 163 cities and communities in Hawaii. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Ahuimanu
- Aiea
- Ainaloa
- Anahola
- Black Sands
- Captain Cook
- Discovery Harbour
- East Honolulu
88332 billing questions
When should 88332 be reported instead of 88331?
Use 88331 for the initial tissue block in the intraoperative frozen-section consultation. Report 88332 for each additional block examined during that consultation.
Can 88332 be reported with 88331?
Yes. The additional-block service is reported with 88331 for the initial block when the pathologist examines further blocks during the same intraoperative consultation.
Which modifiers identify the components?
Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports multiple units?
The pathology record should identify the additional blocks examined and document the intraoperative findings or interpretation. Report a unit for each additional block supported by the record.
Is 88332 for an intraoperative cytology examination?
No. It represents additional tissue-block frozen-section work. Intraoperative cytologic examination is represented by the separate 88333 and 88334 code family.
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
Fee sheets
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