CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Lakewood Health System

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $128
Cash Discount Price: $142
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Lakewood Health System is $128. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $142. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 7.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 49725 County Road 83, Staples, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$142

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$128

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: $142 (845%)

Insurance Median: $128 (762%)

Cash: $142 (845% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $128 (762% 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 762% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 662%). 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	$54 - $134	321%
Humana	$54 - $130	321%
Medica Msho/Mcr Adv	$54 - $129	321%
UnitedHealthcare	$54 - $287	321%
Ucare Mcr Adv	$55 - $133	327%
Ucare Msho/Special Needs	$55 - $133	327%
Ucare Individual/Family - All Other Plans	$62 - $149	369%
Medica Choice Care	$65 - $158	387%
Medica Choice/Focus/Ifb/Mhps - All Other Plans	$120 - $289	714%
Health Partners - All Plans	$126 - $304	750%
Preferred One Hmo	$127 - $307	756%
Preferred One Ppo - All Other Plans	$127 - $307	756%

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 $142.
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 Lakewood Health System 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.