Biopsy pathology exam cost in Houston, TX
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, 57 hospitals list a cash price for biopsy tissue exam by a pathologist (level IV): from $51.27 to $2,246.37, with a median of $308.16. The lowest listed price is at Harris Health and 1 other hospital — $256.89 less than the median here. Across Texas, the median is $297.13 at 281 hospitals.
- The median here, $308.16, is 80% above the US median of $171.00.
- That is 5.8× Medicare's 2026 national rate for the same service ($53.24).
- Houston, TX ranks 2nd of 4 metro areas in Texas by median, cheapest first.
- 16 of 57 hospitals list a cash price equal to their full list price, with no self-pay discount.
Cash prices at 57 facilities across 21 cities for code 88305, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Nov 4, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Feb 28, 2026 and Sep 8, 2026.
Where each hospital's price falls
Each dot is one hospital's cash price on a scale from the lowest to the highest in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX.
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris Health lowest Taub Loop Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 GROSS & MICROSCOPIC LEVEL IV- OUTSOURCE+3 more lines at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $51.27 | $305.00 | $56.95–$198.25 | 83% |
| Harris Health lowest Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 BONE MARROW BIOPSY PROCEDURE+3 more lines at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $51.27 | $226.00 | $56.95–$198.25 | 77% |
| Hsa St. Joseph Houston, TX · (713) 757-1000 TISSUE EXAM BY PATHOLOG LVL 4 File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $51.51 | $1,210.39 | $49.71–$73.29 | 96% |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Pasadena, TX · (713) 359-1000 CYTOLOGY CELL BLOCK File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $95.36 | $95.36 | $5.72–$85.82 | — |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC BONE MARROW BX, PROCESS & STAIN+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $109.21 | $163.00 | $44.01–$154.85 | 33% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC GROSS & MICRO LEVEL IV File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $126.00 | $252.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $128.50 | $257.00 | — | 50% |
| Sweeny Community Hospital Sweeny, TX · (979) 548-3311 Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, intermediate complexity File of Sep 8, 2026 · source file | $131.58 | $219.30 | $65.79–$219.30 | 40% |
| The Community Hospital of Brazosport Lake Jackson, TX · (979) 297-4411 SURGICAL PATH LEVEL 4 File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $146.64 | $418.95 | $21.89–$336.84 | 65% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $151.00 | $302.00 | — | 50% |
| Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center Liberty, TX · (936) 336-7316 88305 Surgical Path Microscopic Examination Qst source file | $172.00 | $246.00 | $148.00–$234.00 | 30% |
| Shriners Childrens Texas Galveston, TX · (409) 770-6600 TISSUE EXAM BY PATHOLOGIST File of Mar 18, 2026 · source file | $188.70 | $188.70 | $28.85–$73.29 | — |
| Voyages of Sugar Land South Sugar Land, TX Level IV Tissue Exam By Path File of Aug 6, 2026 · source file | $228.89 | $228.89 | $57.22–$171.67 | — |
| The Methodist Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 790-2221 HC OGA TISSUE BIOPSY+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $234.50 | $469.00 | — | 50% |
| The Community Hospital of Brazosport Lake Jackson, TX · (979) 297-4411 LEVEL IV TISSUE EXAM BY PATHOL File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $253.75 | $725.00 | $21.89–$582.90 | 65% |
| The Methodist Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 790-2221 HC CELL BLOCK 88305 File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $258.50 | $517.00 | — | 50% |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Pasadena, TX · (713) 359-1000 SURG PATH LEVEL 4 File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $290.73 | $290.73 | $17.44–$261.66 | — |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| The Methodist Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 790-2221 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC EOSINOPHIL GRANULE TISSUE GROSS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $299.50 | $599.00 | — | 50% |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC BONE MARROW CLOT, PROCESS & STAIN+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $304.85 | $455.00 | $122.85–$432.25 | 33% |
| Memorial Hermann Rockets Orthopedic Hospital Bellaire, TX HC RL LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center The Woodlands, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital Houston, TX HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 725-5000 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Texas Medical Center) Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Cypress) Cypress, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Upper Kirby) Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Bellaire) Bellaire, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital Humble, TX · (281) 540-7700 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital Pearland, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Tirr Memorial Hermann Houston, TX HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Katy, TX · (281) 392-1111 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center Houston, TX · (713) 242-3000 HC LEVEL 4 PATH GROSS & MICRO+1 more line at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $308.16 | $963.00 | — | 68% |
| Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center Liberty, TX · (936) 336-7316 Tissue, Pathology Report Qst source file | $344.00 | $491.00 | $295.00–$466.00 | 30% |
| St Luke's the Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 266-4050 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| CHI St. Luke's Health Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center Houston, TX · (832) 355-1000 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 637-7000 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's Lakeside Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 266-4055 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| St. Lukes Hospital at the Vintage Houston, TX · (832) 534-5000 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| CHI St. Luke's Health Springwood Village Spring, TX · (936) 266-4050 HC LAB SURG/PATH-LEVEL IV File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $408.10 | $1,166.00 | $38.53–$1,166.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's Patients Medical Center Pasadena, TX · (281) 487-0700 GROSS AND MICRO LEVEL 4 File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $415.80 | $1,188.00 | $53.52–$891.00 | 65% |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC GROSS & MICRO EXAM, LEVEL IV+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $439.52 | $656.00 | $177.12–$623.20 | 33% |
| The Womans Hospital of Texas Houston, TX · (713) 790-1234 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $576.85 | $576.85 | $144.71–$201.90 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare West Houston, TX · (281) 588-8080 Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, +1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $634.00 | $634.00 | $38.04–$570.60 | — |
| Cornerstone Hospital Conroe Conroe, TX CELL BLOCK, INTERP COMPLETE File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,037.00 | $1,037.00 | — | — |
| Texas Orthopedic Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 799-8600 Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, +1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,063.00 | $1,063.00 | $63.78–$956.70 | — |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| The Methodist Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 790-2221 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC TCH HEREDITARY CANCER PANEL File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | — | 50% |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland Houston, TX · (713) 770-7000 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,395.72 | $1,395.72 | $83.74–$1,186.36 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball Houston, TX · (281) 351-7500 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,595.44 | $1,595.44 | $95.73–$1,356.12 | — |
| HCA Houston Mainland Texas City, TX · (281) 332-2511 Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, +1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,699.68 | $1,699.68 | $101.98–$1,529.71 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake Alvin, TX · (281) 332-2511 Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, +1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,699.68 | $1,699.68 | $101.98–$1,529.71 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center Houston, TX · (713) 527-5019 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,853.00 | $1,853.00 | $111.18–$1,575.05 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Humble, TX · (281) 359-7500 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,922.31 | $1,922.31 | $115.34–$1,730.08 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress Houston, TX · (281) 359-7500 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $1,922.31 | $1,922.31 | $115.34–$1,633.96 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe Conroe, TX · (936) 539-1111 Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, +1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $2,155.52 | $2,155.52 | $129.33–$1,939.97 | — |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest Houston, TX · (281) 440-1000 SURG PATH LEVEL 4+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $2,246.37 | $2,246.37 | $134.78–$1,909.41 | — |
Outpatient: lowest $51.27, median $308.16, highest $2,246.37 — a 43.8× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 40 facilities here, median $308.16. Inpatient and outpatient prices are not comparable and are kept on separate pages: the inpatient charge covers admission, not the same purchase.
Cash or insurance?
At 14 of 29 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 2 it is below every plan's rate. If you have insurance but have not met your deductible, you usually pay your plan's negotiated rate, which falls somewhere in the "Insurers pay" column. Paying cash can cost less, but a cash payment usually does not count toward your deductible. Ask the hospital for both numbers before you book.
What biopsy pathology exam is, what the price covers and why prices differ: Biopsy pathology exam explained.