CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 84443
  • Insurance Median: $43
  • Cash Discount Price: $705
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.56x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is $43. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $705. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 2.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$705

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$43

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: $705 (4196%)
Insurance Median: $43 (256%)
Cash: $705 (4196% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $43 (256% 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 256% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 156%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 Dept Of Public Health $6 - $214 36%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $13 - $17 77%
Medicare (plans) $13 - $17 77%
UnitedHealthcare $13 - $214 77%
Aetna $16 - $101 95%
Iowa Total Care $16 - $52 95%
Medicaid / KanCare $16 - $53 95%
Geha $17 - $41 101%
Amish Hospital Aid $18 - $22 107%
Ambetter / Centene $22 - $28 131%
Oscar $26 155%
Centivo $28 167%
Claimdoc $34 202%
Nova $34 202%
Allied Benefit Systems $46 - $101 274%
Asr Health Benefits $46 - $101 274%
Christian Brother Services $46 - $101 274%
Coventry $46 - $101 274%
First Health $46 - $101 274%
Lucent Health $46 - $101 274%
Luminare Health $46 - $101 274%
Medical Mutual $46 - $101 274%
Meritain $46 - $101 274%
Webtpa $46 - $101 274%
Health Choices $50 298%
Medical Associates $50 298%
Health Partners $140 833%
Auxiant $152 905%
Cigna $152 905%
Medica $152 905%
Midlands $152 905%
Midlands Choice $152 905%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA 50702
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Church
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals