CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $99
Cash Discount Price: $82
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Carolina East Medical Center is $99. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $82. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 5.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$82

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$99

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: $82 (488%)

Insurance Median: $99 (589%)

Cash: $82 (488% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $99 (589% 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 589% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 489%). 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
Humana	$17	101%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$17	101%
Tricare	$17 - $391	101%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$25 - $104	149%
UnitedHealthcare	$33 - $278	196%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$35 - $132	208%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$62 - $257	369%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$62 - $244	369%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$66 - $268	393%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$68 - $285	405%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$71 - $296	423%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$80 - $332	476%
Aetna	$83 - $346	494%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$83 - $345	494%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$85 - $353	506%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$85 - $353	506%
Cigna	$86 - $356	512%

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 $82.
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 Carolina East Medical Center 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.