Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Stafford County Hospital
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $75
- Cash Discount Price: $92
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.46x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 446% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 346%). 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.
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 | $13 - $18 | 77% |
| Va Ccn-All Plans | $13 - $18 | 77% |
| Health Partners-All Plans | $73 - $101 | 435% |
| Humana | $77 - $106 | 458% |
| Medica Mcr- All Plans | $77 - $106 | 458% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 84443, representing a blood test for thyroid function (TSH), the cash price at Stafford County Hospital is $92.00, which matches the facility's cash median. This rate is notably higher than the state of Kansas average, which is $16.80, and significantly exceeds the Medicare benchmark of $16.80. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the local government, the negotiated rates for in-network payers range from $73.00 to $106.00, with a median negotiated amount of $75.00. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the full cash price of $92.00 upfront may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates often exceed the cash price and could result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the patient's deductible has not yet been met.
To minimize potential costs, patients should proactively request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling their visit, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the total bill by 20% to 50%. It is important to avoid automatic claims submission, which can void cash agreements and lead to balance billing if the provider bills the difference between the negotiated rate and the insurance allowed amount. If a balance bill arises, patients should verify its legality under the No Surprises Act, particularly for non-emergency services, and request a formal itemized audit to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered. Always confirm your specific plan's deductible status and allowed amounts with the hospital prior to receiving care to ensure you are aware of your financial obligations.