Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Kansas Heart Hospital
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $17
- Cash Discount Price: $46
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $12 | 71% |
| Tricare | $15 | 89% |
| Celtic Mcr Adv | $17 | 101% |
| Humana | $17 | 101% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $17 | 101% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $17 | 101% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $29 | 173% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $30 | 179% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $65 | 387% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 84443, representing a blood test for thyroid function (TSH), Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, KS, lists a gross charge of $73.00. This facility's cash median price of $46.00 is significantly lower than the state average, offering a potential savings opportunity for patients. While the hospital's negotiated rate for in-network payers averages $17.00, this amount remains higher than the cash price. For patients with high-deductible plans who have not yet met their out-of-pocket maximum, paying the cash price of $46.00 upfront may result in lower total costs compared to the insurance negotiated rate of $17.00, provided the patient's plan covers the difference. It is important to verify your specific deductible status before scheduling to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill that breaks down the exact CPT codes and unit costs rather than accepting a summary invoice. This audit helps identify any unbundled charges or services not rendered, which can occur in over 80% of hospital bills. Additionally, ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final amount by 20% to 50% if paid in full before or shortly after the service. While the facility's negotiated rates are generally fair when compared to the Medicare benchmark of $16.80, commercial rates often include administrative overhead that inflates the baseline price. Always confirm whether your specific plan requires a waiver of insurance submission to prevent automatic claims that might void any cash discounts.