CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Morton Plant Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $38
Cash Discount Price: $37
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Morton Plant Hospital is $38. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $37. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 2.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Pinellas St, Clearwater, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$37

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$38

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: $37 (220%)

Insurance Median: $38 (226%)

Cash: $37 (220% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $38 (226% 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 226% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 126%). 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
Molina	$6 - $181	36%
Simply Healthcare	$6 - $55	36%
Aetna	$7 - $249	42%
Clear Health Alliance	$7	42%
Florida Community Care	$7	42%
Freedom	$7 - $61	42%
Freedom Health	$7	42%
Humana	$7 - $21	42%
Molina Healthcare	$7	42%
Optimum	$7 - $61	42%
Sunshine Health	$7	42%
UnitedHealthcare	$7 - $275	42%
Careplus	$8 - $70	48%
Avmed	$10 - $150	60%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $162	60%
Ultimate Health Plan	$10 - $92	60%
Evolutions	$16 - $285	95%
Baycareplus	$17	101%
Cigna	$17 - $266	101%
Solis Health	$18	107%
Wellcare	$24	143%
First Health	$28 - $260	167%
Multiplan	$30 - $275	179%
Ambetter / Centene	$33 - $306	196%
United Behavioral Health	$33 - $306	196%

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 $37.
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 Morton Plant Hospital 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.