CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $222
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is $222. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 13.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$222

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%)

Insurance Median: $222 (1321%)

Ins. Median: $222 (1321% 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 1321% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1221%). 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
Texaschildrens	$14 - $130	83%
Medicare (plans)	$130	774%
Vacare	$130	774%
Memorialhermannhealth	$192 - $222	1143%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$207 - $213	1232%
Cigna	$207 - $222	1232%
UnitedHealthcare	$207 - $222	1232%
Aetna	$213 - $222	1268%
Humana	$219 - $228	1304%
Ontarioministriesofhealth	$219	1304%
Beijingst.Lucia	$222	1321%
Embassyofqatar	$222	1321%
Emergingtherapysolutions	$222 - $237	1321%
Interlink	$222 - $252	1321%
Tricare	$222	1321%
Emergingtherapysolutions_Cancercare	$237	1411%
Interlink_Cancercare	$237	1411%
Saudiarmedforces	$237	1411%
Uae_Medical	$237	1411%
Uaepoliceattache	$237	1411%
Healthsmart	$252	1500%
Multiplan	$252 - $255	1500%
Phcs	$252 - $255	1500%
Vantage	$252	1500%

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 $X.
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 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer 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.