CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Duke University Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $57
Cash Discount Price: $173
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Duke University Hospital is $57. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $173. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 3.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$173

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$57

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: $173 (1030%)

Insurance Median: $57 (339%)

Cash: $173 (1030% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $57 (339% 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 339% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 239%). 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
Aetna	$16 - $224	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$16 - $186	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$16 - $200	95%
Cigna	$17 - $202	101%
Humana	$17 - $172	101%
Liberty	$17	101%
Troy Health	$17	101%
Voans	$17	101%
Alliance Health	$20 - $57	119%
Amerihealth	$20 - $64	119%
Carolina Complete Health	$20 - $64	119%
Partners	$20	119%
Trillium	$20 - $64	119%
Medcost	$86 - $88	512%
Sentara	$126	750%

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 $173.
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 Duke University 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.