CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Kaleida Health

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $18
Cash Discount Price: $175
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Kaleida Health is $18. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $175. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 1.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$175

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$18

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: $175 (1042%)

Insurance Median: $18 (107%)

Cash: $175 (1042% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $18 (107% 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.

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
Independent Health Association	$10 - $27	60%
Independent Health Association - Wchob	$10 - $27	60%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$11 - $63	65%
Cigna	$15 - $24	89%
Tricare	$16	95%
Univera	$16 - $60	95%
Wellcare	$17	101%
Aetna	$18 - $19	107%
Fidelis	$18	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$18	107%
Magnacare	$19	113%
Magnacare - Wchob	$19	113%
Ghi/Emblem Health	$20 - $23	119%
Ghi/Emblem Health - Wchob	$20	119%
Univera - Wchob	$23 - $60	137%

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 $175.
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 Kaleida Health 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.