Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Wamego Health Center
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $17
- Cash Discount Price: $48
- 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 | $16 | 95% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $16 - $17 | 95% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $16 | 95% |
| Providrs Care | $17 | 101% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $103 - $109 | 613% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test, thyroid (TSH) procedure at Wamego Health Center in Wamego, KS, the cash median price is $48.00, which is significantly lower than the negotiated rates paid by insurance carriers. While the facility's cash price is lower than the state average for this service, it is important to note that commercial insurance plans often pay negotiated rates that can exceed the cash price. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the $48.00 cash median directly may result in lower out-of-pocket costs compared to having an insurance plan cover a negotiated rate that includes administrative fees and claim processing costs.
The facility's negotiated rates vary by payer, ranging from $16.00 to $109.00, with the median negotiated amount being $17.00. Although the Medicare benchmark for this service is $16.80, commercial rates often include a markup to cover administrative overhead. Patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as some in-network contracts may result in higher charges than expected. Additionally, patients should inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final balance by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront, bypassing the standard insurance billing cycle.