Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Fredonia Regional Hospital
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $84
- Cash Discount Price: $94
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.00x 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 500% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 400%). 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 | $16 - $84 | 95% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $44 - $46 | 262% |
| Aetna | $48 - $84 | 286% |
| Veterans Programs - All Plans | $48 | 286% |
| Cigna | $84 | 500% |
| Reserve National-All Plans | $84 | 500% |
| Meritain-All Plans | $84 | 500% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this thyroid blood test (CPT 84443) at Fredonia Regional Hospital in Kansas, the cash price is $94.00, which matches the facility's negotiated rate of $84.00 and the median paid by insurers. This cash price is notably higher than the state average for this procedure, making it a relatively expensive option for self-pay patients. While commercial payers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna negotiate rates ranging from $16 to $84 depending on their specific plan, the facility's cash rate remains at the maximum end of the spectrum. Because the cash price exceeds the negotiated amounts paid by most insurers, patients with high-deductible plans might find paying out-of-pocket cheaper than having their insurance cover the service, provided they have not yet met their deductible.
Patients should verify whether the facility offers "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can significantly reduce the final bill. It is important to note that while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, unexpected charges can still occur if ancillary services like lab tests are billed separately. To ensure accuracy, consumers should request a full itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as hospitals may bundle costs or include services not rendered. Comparing this rate to the Medicare benchmark of $16.80 reveals a substantial markup, highlighting that the commercial price includes administrative overhead and contract dynamics beyond the base cost of care.