CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Charlevoix Area Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $31
Cash Discount Price: $70
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Charlevoix Area Hospital is $31. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $70. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 1.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 14700 Lakeshore Drive, Charlevoix, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$70

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$31

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: $70 (417%)

Insurance Median: $31 (185%)

Cash: $70 (417% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $31 (185% 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.

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	$12 - $122	71%
Mclaren Health Plan	$12 - $123	71%
Meridian	$12	71%
Priority Health	$12 - $132	71%
UnitedHealthcare	$12 - $115	71%
Aetna	$16 - $119	95%
Blue Care Network	$16 - $62	95%
Hap (Health Alliance Plan)	$16 - $106	95%
Medicare (plans)	$16 - $62	95%
Michigan Amish Medical Board	$16 - $62	95%
Northern Michigan Mennonite Group	$16 - $62	95%
Cigna	$17 - $132	101%
Molina	$17 - $67	101%
Hospice Of Michigan	$20 - $79	119%
Provider Network Of America/Hma Group Health	$24 - $112	143%
Asr Physicians Care Network	$27 - $106	161%
Employee Benefits Logistics	$27 - $105	161%
Enterprise Group Planning Employee Benefit Plan	$27 - $106	161%
First Health/Coventry Health/Community Care Network	$27 - $106	161%
Medical Cost Savings Solution	$27 - $106	161%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$28 - $112	167%
Cofinity	$31 - $123	185%
Iba Health And Life Assurance Company	$31 - $121	185%
Nomi Health	$31 - $123	185%
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions	$32 - $125	190%

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 $70.
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 Charlevoix Area 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.