CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Fairview Bethesda Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $52
Cash Discount Price: $33
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Fairview Bethesda Hospital is $52. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $33. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 3.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 45 10Th St W, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$33

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$52

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: $33 (196%)

Insurance Median: $52 (310%)

Cash: $33 (196% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $52 (310% 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 310% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 210%). 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
Health Partners	$13 - $77	77%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $58	83%
Itasca Medical Care	$17	101%
Medica	$17 - $72	101%
Primewest	$17	101%
Sanford Health Plan	$17 - $58	101%
Security Health Plan	$17 - $74	101%
South Country Health Alliance	$17	101%
Ucare	$17 - $41	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $57	101%
Wellcare	$17	101%
Hennepin Health	$18 - $19	107%
America'S Ppo	$28 - $71	167%
First Health	$43 - $81	256%
Multiplan	$45 - $84	268%
Private Healthcare Systems	$45 - $84	268%
Wisconsin Physician Services	$48 - $89	286%

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 $33.
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 Fairview Bethesda 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.