CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $35
Cash Discount Price: $148
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Medical Center Hospital is $35. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $148. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 2.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W 4Th Street, Odessa, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$148

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$35

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: $148 (881%)

Insurance Median: $35 (208%)

Cash: $148 (881% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $35 (208% 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 208% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 108%). 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
Geha	$8	48%
UnitedHealthcare	$8 - $23	48%
Corvel Wc	$13	77%
Medicaid / KanCare	$14 - $15	83%
Superior Chips	$14	83%
Ambetter / Centene	$15 - $17	89%
Amerigroup	$15	89%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$15 - $100	89%
Community Health Choice	$15	89%
First Care Health Plan	$15	89%
Superior Health Plan	$15	89%
Aetna	$16 - $153	95%
Novitas Solutions	$16	95%
Triwest Va Ccn	$16	95%
Care Improvement Plus	$17	101%
Humana	$17	101%
Wellcare By Allwell	$17	101%
Group Resources	$20	119%
Workers Comp	$34	202%
Health Select	$46 - $100	274%
90 Degree Benefits	$55 - $111	327%
Caprock	$73 - $86	435%
Cigna	$79	470%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$80 - $139	476%
State Comptroller	$116	690%
Texas Mutual Wc	$153	911%
Firstcare	$162	964%

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 $148.
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 Medical Center Hospital 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.