Blood test, thyroid (TSH)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 84443 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84443
- Insurance Median: $17
- Cash Discount Price: $56
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.01x 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Smarthealth | $15 - $24 | 89% |
| Aetna | $16 | 95% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $16 - $17 | 95% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $16 - $47 | 95% |
| Humana | $17 | 101% |
| Providrs Care | $17 | 101% |
| Medicare (plans) | $17 | 101% |
| Va | $17 | 101% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $23 - $228 | 137% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $29 | 173% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 84443, representing a blood test for thyroid function (TSH), the cash price at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan is $56.00. This cash rate is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $140.00 and aligns closely with the state of Kansas average, where the median negotiated rate is $17.00. While the facility's cash price exceeds the state's median negotiated rate, it remains substantially below the gross charges often seen in hospital billing. For patients with high-deductible plans, paying the cash price directly may be more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates paid by major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield range from $23 to $228, which could result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the patient's deductible is not yet met.
Patients should be aware that while the No Surprises Act protects against balance billing for emergency services at in-network facilities, it is crucial to verify network status before scheduling non-emergency tests to avoid unexpected charges. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, you should explicitly ask the hospital about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. Additionally, if you receive a summary bill, request a detailed itemized statement to ensure no errors, such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, are included. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, obtaining a line-by-line breakdown is the most effective way to identify and resolve discrepancies before finalizing payment.