Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

For the blood test code 84443 (Thyroid TSH) at Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc., the cash price is $138.00, which is significantly lower than the gross charge of $213.00. While many commercial payers have negotiated rates ranging from $15 to $181, the cash price often represents a better option for patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance, as it bypasses the administrative overhead and markup associated with insurance billing. To maximize savings, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% by eliminating claim processing fees and bad debt risks.

The facility's cash rate of $138.00 is notably higher than the median negotiated rate of $28.00 and the median paid amount of $17.00 reported for this service, though it remains below the gross charge. When comparing to the broader market, the facility's pricing structure is consistent with the state of Kansas, where similar services often see wide variations between commercial contracts and cash prices. Patients should be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify the specific allowed amount with the insurer before receiving care to avoid unexpected costs. Always request a detailed, itemized bill to ensure all charges are accurate and to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered.