CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $209
Cash Discount Price: $295
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Boston Children's Hospital is $209. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $295. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 12.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$295

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$209

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$16.8

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $16.8 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $295 (1756%)

Insurance Median: $209 (1244%)

Cash: $295 (1756% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $209 (1244% of 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 1244% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1144%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$60 - $195	357%
Unicare	$66	393%
Cdphp	$145 - $251	863%
Harvard Pilgrim	$150 - $199	893%
United	$176 - $246	1048%
Aetna	$177 - $247	1054%
Mgb/Allways	$179 - $218	1065%
Tufts Public Plan	$181 - $182	1077%
Ambetter / Centene	$186	1107%
United Ri Nj Ny	$186	1107%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs	$192	1143%
UnitedHealthcare	$192 - $251	1143%
Carelon/Beacon	$221	1315%
Fallon	$225 - $227	1339%
Health New England	$238	1417%
Cigna	$251 - $266	1494%
Ets/Lifetrac	$251	1494%
Interlink Transplant	$251	1494%
Community Health Options	$266	1583%
Humana	$266	1583%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health	$271	1613%
Multiplan/Phcs	$271 - $280	1613%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $295.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84443.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Boston Children's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84443.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.