Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Sheridan County Hospital
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $61
- Cash Discount Price: $75
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.63x 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 363% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 263%). 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Celtic Insurance | $45 | 268% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $61 | 363% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $71 | 423% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this thyroid blood test (CPT 84443) at Sheridan County Hospital in Hoxie, KS, the cash price is $75.00, which matches the facility's listed gross charge. While the hospital is a government-owned Critical Access Hospital, the cash rate is notably higher than the state average for this procedure. Patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the full cash price of $75.00 more cost-effective than using insurance, as the negotiated rate for in-network payers like Celtic Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare ranges from $45.00 to $71.00 depending on the specific plan. However, because the cash price exceeds the lowest negotiated rate, patients should verify their specific deductible status and allowed amounts before deciding to pay out-of-pocket, as the insurance payment could result in a lower net cost if the deductible has already been met.
To ensure you are receiving the best possible rate, it is crucial to ask the hospital directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. Although the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, patients should still request an itemized billing audit to confirm that all charges are accurate and that no unbundled codes or services not rendered have been included. By comparing the final allowed amount to the Medicare benchmark of $16.80 and the facility's negotiated median of $61.00, you can make an informed decision that avoids unexpected costs while ensuring compliance with federal pricing standards.