CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, thyroid (TSH)

Facility: Charleston Area Medical Center

Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84443
Insurance Median: $170
Cash Discount Price: $207
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, thyroid (TSH) at Charleston Area Medical Center is $170. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $207. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $16.8, this hospital’s rate is 10.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Morris Street, Charleston, WV.

Cash / Self-Pay

$207

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$170

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: $207 (1232%)

Insurance Median: $170 (1012%)

Cash: $207 (1232% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $170 (1012% 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 1012% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 912%). 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 - $220	89%
The Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$15 - $217	89%
Unicare Health Plan Of West Virginia Inc.	$15 - $16	89%
Triwest Va	$16	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$17 - $204	101%
Choicecare Network	$17 - $220	101%
Optimum Choice Inc.	$17	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$17 - $220	101%
West Virginia Senior Advantage Inc.	$18	107%
Integrated Medical Solutions	$33	196%
Naphcare	$34	202%
Caresource	$42	250%
Tricare	$113 - $134	673%
City Of Charleston	$142 - $168	845%
Cigna	$176 - $208	1048%
Three Rivers Providers Network	$183 - $217	1089%
Healthsmart	$185 - $220	1101%
Multiplan	$185 - $220	1101%

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 $207.
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 Charleston Area 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.