Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $17
- Cash Discount Price: $45
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.01x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $7 - $17 | 42% |
| Aetna | $16 - $45 | 95% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $16 - $29 | 95% |
| Triwest | $18 | 107% |
| Cigna | $29 | 173% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, thyroid (TSH) procedure at Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center in Wichita, KS, the cash price is $45.00, which matches the facility's cash median. This rate is significantly higher than the Medicare benchmark of $16.80, indicating a markup of 100% over the federal baseline. While commercial insurance plans like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield have negotiated rates ranging from $7 to $45 depending on the specific plan, these amounts often exceed the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the $45.00 cash rate directly, as this avoids potential balance billing if their insurance allows a higher negotiated amount than the cash price. It is important to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as assuming in-network coverage guarantees the lowest cost can lead to unexpected expenses.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request a full itemized bill that lists every CPT code and unit cost rather than accepting a summary invoice. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, such as unbundled charges or services not rendered, a line-by-line review is the most effective way to identify and dispute mistakes. Additionally, if you choose to pay out-of-network or if your insurance denies a claim, you may be subject to balance billing for the difference between the provider's charge and what your insurer pays. Under the No Surprises Act, however, balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities is prohibited, so you should dispute any surprise bills immediately rather than paying them to avoid credit damage. Finally, consider asking the facility about