Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Salina Regional Health Center
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $52
- Cash Discount Price: $74
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.10x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 310% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 210%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $28 - $29 | 167% |
| Preferred Phsic | $34 - $92 | 202% |
| Preferred Healthcare - All Other Plans | $47 - $124 | 280% |
| Cigna | $52 - $138 | 310% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $52 - $138 | 310% |
| Aetna | $52 - $138 | 310% |
| Multiplan (Mpi)-All Plans | $52 - $138 | 310% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the thyroid blood test (CPT 84443) at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS, the facility's cash median price is $74.00, while the negotiated rate paid by insurance plans ranges from $28 to $138 depending on the carrier. This cash price is notably lower than the facility's Medicare benchmark of $16.80, which serves as the federal baseline for cost. While commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract structures, patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash price directly, provided they have not yet met their deductible. It is important to note that the facility's negotiated rates vary significantly across payers, with Blue Cross Blue Shield offering the lowest range at $28–$29, whereas Cigna and Aetna range up to $138.
To ensure you are receiving the most accurate pricing, always request an itemized bill before finalizing payment, as summary invoices can obscure individual charges and potential errors. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, ask specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50% if settled upfront. Additionally, be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify your plan's specific allowed amounts and deductible status before scheduling. For this procedure, the facility's cash median of $74.00 is higher than the state average of $52.00, but lower than the highest negotiated rates seen in the region, making direct