CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: The East Alabama Healthcare Authority

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $66
Cash Discount Price: $46
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is $66. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $46. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 3.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$46

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$66

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$16.8

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $16.8 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $46 (274%)

Insurance Median: $66 (393%)

Cash: $46 (274% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $66 (393% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $16.8 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 393% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 293%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Novanet	$12 - $13	71%
Aetna	$17 - $84	101%
Beechstreet	$17 - $71	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$17 - $23	101%
Cigna	$17 - $32	101%
Humana	$17 - $59	101%
Simpra	$17	101%
Viva	$17 - $39	101%
Alabama Crime Victims	$41 - $42	244%
Mcm Maxcare	$66 - $67	393%
Mega Life	$66 - $67	393%
UnitedHealthcare	$66 - $67	393%
Coventry First Health	$70 - $71	417%
Geha	$70 - $71	417%
Multiplan	$70 - $71	417%
Workers Comp	$70 - $71	417%
Trpn	$74 - $76	440%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $46.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84443.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84443.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.