CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $17
Cash Discount Price: $32
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center is $17. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $32. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 1.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2160 State Road, Lancaster, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$32

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17

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: $32 (190%)

Insurance Median: $17 (101%)

Cash: $32 (190% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $17 (101% 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
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$14 - $17	83%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$14 - $17	83%
[Geisinger]	$15 - $73	89%
[Health Partners Plans]	$16 - $17	95%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$16 - $17	95%
Aetna	$17 - $46	101%
Humana	$17	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $41	101%
[Cbc]	$17 - $55	101%
[Healthspring]	$17	101%
[Highmark]	$17 - $51	101%
[Upmc]	$17 - $81	101%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$21	125%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$41	244%
[Highmark Aca]	$43	256%
Cigna	$49	292%
[First Health]	$87	518%
[Multiplan]	$87	518%

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 $32.
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 Penn State Health Lancaster 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.