CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $152
Cash Discount Price: $194
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is $152. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $194. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 9.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Children's Hospital Drive, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$194

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$152

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: $194 (1155%)

Insurance Median: $152 (905%)

Cash: $194 (1155% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $152 (905% 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 905% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 805%). 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	$15 - $178	89%
Health Plan Of Upper Ohio Valley	$17 - $211	101%
Amerihealth Caritas	$18 - $87	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$18 - $139	107%
Cigna	$18 - $178	107%
Upmc Health Plan	$54 - $126	321%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$90	536%
UnitedHealthcare	$92 - $152	548%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$94	560%
Pa Health & Wellness	$94	560%
Geisinger	$95 - $146	565%
Intergroup	$211 - $275	1256%
Coventry/First Health	$259	1542%
Saudi Armed Forces	$259	1542%
Health Payors Organization	$275	1637%
Multiplan	$275	1637%
National Provider Network	$292	1738%
Private Health Care Systems	$292	1738%

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 $194.
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 UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh 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.