CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $262
Cash Discount Price: $383
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.60x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood is $262. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $383. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 15.60x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 Burnet Dr, Brownwood, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$383

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$262

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: $383 (2280%)

Insurance Median: $262 (1560%)

Cash: $383 (2280% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $262 (1560% 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 1560% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1460%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $208	101%
Firstcare Star	$24	143%
Superior Health Plan	$28	167%
Wellpoint	$28	167%
Ambetter / Centene	$38	226%
Healthsmart	$216 - $321	1286%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$219 - $385	1304%
Aetna	$262 - $390	1560%
Private Healthcare Systems	$274 - $408	1631%
Multiplan	$277 - $413	1649%

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 $383.
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 Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood 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.