CPT code 88333: Surgical cytology, initial specimen2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Florida
A pathologist rapidly evaluates an initial intraoperative tissue specimen using a cytologic preparation to guide an immediate surgical decision.
Medicare pays $86.57–$91.68 for 88333 in the office in Florida, from Rest of Florida to Miami, FL. Which amount applies depends on the service address.
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
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On this page 9 sections
What 88333 covers
During surgery, a pathologist examines a rapid cytologic preparation of tissue submitted by the operating team. Common preparations include a touch prep or squash prep. The pathologist interprets the cells and communicates a preliminary finding while the patient is still in the operating room, helping the surgeon make an immediate decision. This service is typically performed in a hospital or other surgical setting where the pathologist can provide an intraoperative consultation.
Report 88333 for the initial cytologic specimen examined; use 88334 for each additional cytologic specimen. The record should identify the specimen, document the cytologic method and interpretation, and support that the evaluation occurred during surgery. Modifier 26 represents the professional interpretation, while modifier TC represents the technical work, equipment, and staff. Reporting the code without either modifier represents the global service.
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.
Where 88333 pays more and less in Florida
The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.
3 payment localities
$86.57 to $91.68
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $89.61 | Unavailable |
| Miami, FL | $91.68 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Florida | $86.57 | Unavailable |
How the 88333 rate is calculated
Each of 88333’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 · 88333
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.17
1.17 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.44
1.44 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.03
0.03 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
2.6400
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$88.18
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 88333
The CMS indicators that decide how 88333 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 88333
Surgical cytology, initial specimen
| 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
88333 without 26 · national office
$88.18
Surgical cytology, initial specimen
88333-26 · Professional component
$57.45
Pays only the interpretation and report.
88333 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
4 codes, side by side
How to choose
- 88334Intraoperative cytologyEach additional site
- 88333 is for the initial cytologic specimen; 88334 describes each additional cytologic specimen examined during the consultation.
- 88331Frozen sectionFirst block, one specimen
- 88331 is used for an intraoperative frozen-section examination. Choose 88333 when the pathologist evaluates a cytologic preparation such as a touch or squash prep.
- 88329Pathology consultGross examination only
- 88329 applies to intraoperative gross examination alone; 88333 requires cytologic examination of a preparation.
88333 billing questions
When should 88333 be chosen instead of 88331?
Use 88333 for an intraoperative cytologic preparation, such as a touch prep or squash prep. Use 88331 when the pathologist examines a frozen tissue section.
How is another cytologic specimen reported?
88333 covers the initial cytologic specimen. Report 88334 for each additional cytologic specimen examined during the intraoperative consultation.
Can the professional and technical portions be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the pathologist’s interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical portion. Without either modifier, 88333 represents the global service.
What documentation supports 88333?
Document the specimen examined, the cytologic preparation and findings, and the intraoperative communication to the surgical team. The record should establish that the evaluation took place during surgery.
Is 88333 for gross examination alone?
No. 88333 involves cytologic evaluation of a preparation. An intraoperative consultation limited to gross examination is represented by 88329.
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
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