CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $144
Cash Discount Price: $157
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.57x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $144. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $157. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 8.57x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$157

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$144

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: $157 (935%)

Insurance Median: $144 (857%)

Cash: $157 (935% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $144 (857% 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 857% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 757%). 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
Iowa Total Care	$16 - $17	95%
Molina Healthcare	$16	95%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$16 - $18	95%
Aetna	$17 - $136	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$17 - $109	101%
Healthpartners	$17 - $193	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $110	101%
Immergrun	$56 - $57	333%
Medical Associates	$91 - $114	542%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$111 - $170	661%
Midlands Choice	$117 - $148	696%
Oscar Health	$140 - $143	833%
Great River Health Systems	$144 - $159	857%
Aplos Health Plan	$178 - $182	1060%
Sedgwick	$178 - $182	1060%
Global Excel	$189 - $193	1125%
Sanford Health Plan	$189 - $193	1125%
Sisco	$195 - $200	1161%
Employee Benefit Systems	$200 - $204	1190%
Healthsmart	$200 - $204	1190%
Hfn	$204 - $209	1214%
Multiplan	$204 - $209	1214%

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 $157.
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 University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.