CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Valley West Community Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $149
Cash Discount Price: $162
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Valley West Community Hospital is $149. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $162. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 8.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 11 East Pleasant Avenue, Sandwich, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$162

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$149

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: $162 (964%)

Insurance Median: $149 (887%)

Cash: $162 (964% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $149 (887% 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 887% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 787%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$44 - $190	262%
Global Excel [1712]	$44	262%
Humana	$44	262%
Aetna	$59 - $161	351%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$104 - $197	619%
The Alliance [1703]	$126	750%
Choicecare [177]	$156	929%
Healthlink [125]	$174	1036%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$186 - $232	1107%
First Health Plan [6034]	$232	1381%
UnitedHealthcare	$232	1381%

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 $162.
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 Valley West Community 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.