G0144 HCPCS code: Screening cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation, with screening by automated system, under physician supervision
G0144 is the HCPCS Level II code for screening cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation, with screening by automated system, under physician supervision. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $43.09 per service for G0144 across 1,813 services. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case. The NCCI unit limit is 1 per day on outpatient hospital claims. Medicare volume fell 47% from 2022 to 2024 (3,408 to 1,813 services). In 2024, about 15 clinicians billed Medicare for G0144 for 1,813 beneficiaries.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | G codes — Procedures and professional services (temporary) |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 21 — Priced on the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule |
| BETOS category | T1H |
| Added | 1999-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2003-01-01 |
Who bills G0144 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinicians billing (by place of service) | 15 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 1,813 |
| States with claims | 4 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for G0144, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,408 | 3,408 | $43.47 | $43.47 |
| 2023 | 881 | 881 | $43.09 | $43.09 |
| 2024 | 1,813 | 1,813 | $43.09 | $43.09 |
States with the most G0144 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1,411 | $43.09 |
| Louisiana | 266 | $43.09 |
| Virginia | 118 | $43.09 |
| Mississippi | 12 | $43.09 |
NCCI unit limits (MUE)
| Claim type | Max units per day | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| outpatient hospital claims | 1 | Anatomic Consideration |
| practitioner claims | 1 | Anatomic Consideration |
What changed for G0144
- 1999-01-01: G0144 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code G0144?
G0144 is the HCPCS Level II code for screening cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation, with screening by automated system, under physician supervision. Short descriptor: "Scr c/v cyto,thinlayer,rescr".
How much does Medicare pay for G0144?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $43.09 per service (average allowed $43.09).
Does Medicare cover G0144?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
How many units of G0144 can be billed per day?
1 on outpatient hospital claims; 1 on practitioner claims (NCCI medically unlikely edits).
Related G01 codes
- G0101 — Cervical or vaginal cancer screening; pelvic and clinical breast examination
- G0102 — Prostate cancer screening; digital rectal examination
- G0103 — Prostate cancer screening; prostate specific antigen test (PSA)
- G0104 — Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy
- G0105 — Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk
- G0106 — Colorectal cancer screening; alternative to g0104, screening sigmoidoscopy, barium enema
- G0108 — Diabetes outpatient self-management training services, individual, per 30 minutes
- G0109 — Diabetes outpatient self-management training services, group session (2 or more), per 30 minutes
- G0117 — Glaucoma screening for high risk patients furnished by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
- G0118 — Glaucoma screening for high risk patient furnished under the direct supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist
- G0120 — Colorectal cancer screening; alternative to g0105, screening colonoscopy, barium enema.
- G0121 — Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk
Building a device that would bill under a code like this? Caduvo matches a device description to HCPCS/CPT codes, Medicare coverage and payment, and the FDA pathway in one report.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G0144
- Watch G0144 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G0144
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.