CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Samaritan Medical Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $22
Cash Discount Price: $398
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Samaritan Medical Center is $22. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $398. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 1.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$398

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$22

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: $398 (2369%)

Insurance Median: $22 (131%)

Cash: $398 (2369% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $22 (131% 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
Excellus	$16 - $77	95%
Aetna	$17 - $338	101%
Capital District Physician'S Health Plan, Inc (Cdphp)	$17 - $318	101%
Fidelis	$17 - $19	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $338	101%
Wellcare	$17	101%
Mvp	$18 - $269	107%
Ghi Emblem	$298	1774%

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 $398.
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 Samaritan 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.