Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $55
- Cash Discount Price: $57
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.27x 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 327% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 227%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tricare | $46 | 274% |
| Humana | $52 | 310% |
| Aetna | $53 - $57 | 315% |
| Hpk-All Plans | $55 | 327% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $55 | 327% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $57 | 339% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test procedure (CPT 84443) at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in Medicine Lodge, KS, the cash median price is $57.00, which matches the facility's gross charge and is identical to the Medicare benchmark of $16.80 adjusted for local costs. This cash rate is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by major payers such as Aetna ($53–$57), UnitedHealthcare ($55), and Humana ($52), meaning patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance could save money by paying cash directly. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a Government Hospital District, the cash price remains competitive compared to the state average, though specific county-level averages were not provided in this report.
If you choose to use insurance, be aware that while the facility participates with six payers including Tricare and Medicaid/KanCare, the negotiated rates often exceed the cash price, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs if your deductible has not been met. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is highly recommended to ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling your visit, as these upfront fee reductions can lower the total cost. Additionally, if you receive a bill from an out-of-network provider or service, you may be entitled to protections under the No Surprises Act, which prevents balance billing for emergency care and non-emergency services at in-network facilities, so always request an itemized CPT-coded statement to verify all charges before paying.