CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Carolinas Rehabilitation

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $177
Cash Discount Price: $187
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.54x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Carolinas Rehabilitation is $177. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $187. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 10.54x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$187

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$177

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: $187 (1113%)

Insurance Median: $177 (1054%)

Cash: $187 (1113% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $177 (1054% 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 1054% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 954%). 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	$17 - $318	101%
Humana	$17	101%
Cigna	$18 - $252	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$18 - $245	107%
Amerihealth Caritas	$20 - $30	119%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $180	119%
Carolina Complete Health	$20 - $30	119%
Healthy Blue	$20 - $30	119%
Wellcare	$20 - $30	119%
Choicecare	$22 - $292	131%
Ambetter / Centene	$29 - $139	173%
Employers Health Network	$165 - $198	982%
Physician Reach Out	$187	1113%
Medcost	$219 - $251	1304%
Quik Trip	$243	1446%
Healthgram	$299	1780%
Private Health Care Systems	$307	1827%
First Health	$318	1893%
Beechstreet	$344	2048%
Multiplan	$344	2048%

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 $187.
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 Carolinas Rehabilitation 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.