CPT 88185
Global ZZZ ActiveFlowcytometry/tc add-on
This code does not have a national work RVU on the current Physician Fee Schedule. Pricing may be carrier-determined, non-covered, or tracked via a separate methodology.
CPT 88185 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 88185 (Flowcytometry/tc add-on) is classified under Pathology/Lab with a global period indicator of ZZZ. This code uses the No national RVU payment methodology rather than standard RVU-based Physician Fee Schedule pricing. Refer to the methodology notice above for billing implications.
When billing 88185, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 88185 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Add-on code (global concept does not apply)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 35 units of 88185 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 88185
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $27.27 | $27.27 | $25.26 - $33.23 | 29 |
| Florida | $23.12 | $23.12 | $22.03 - $23.99 | 3 |
| Georgia | $21.99 | $21.99 | $20.56 - $23.42 | 2 |
| Illinois | $22.27 | $22.27 | $21.04 - $23.67 | 4 |
| Michigan | $21.64 | $21.64 | $21.04 - $22.24 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $21.5 | $21.5 | $21.5 - $21.5 | 1 |
| New York | $25.71 | $25.71 | $21.89 - $27.4 | 5 |
| Ohio | $21.04 | $21.04 | $21.04 - $21.04 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.58 | $22.58 | $21.16 - $23.99 | 2 |
| Texas | $22.69 | $22.69 | $20.97 - $24.38 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 88185
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 88185 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88387 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 88388 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0018M | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0021U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 0058U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0059U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0062U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0091U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0092U | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 88185
What does CPT code 88185 mean? +
CPT code 88185 represents: Flowcytometry/tc add-on. It's in the Pathology/Lab category with a global period of ZZZ.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 88185? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 88185 is $24.05. Rates range from $19.8 to $33.23 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 88185? +
Pathology and laboratory use modifier 90 (reference/outside lab), 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic test same day), 92 (alternative laboratory platform), and QW (CLIA waived test). Surgical pathology splits between 26 and TC where applicable.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 88185? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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