CPT 84443 measures thyroid-stimulating hormone, the standard first test for an underactive or overactive thyroid. It is ordered for fatigue, weight change, palpitations, hair loss and to monitor thyroid medication. One blood draw, results in a day.
What the price covers
The laboratory analysis only. The blood draw is a separate small charge. If TSH is abnormal, follow-up tests (free T4, T3) are separate codes.
Why prices vary
TSH runs on the same automated analyzers as any chemistry test and costs a laboratory very little. Hospital list prices range from under $20 to several hundred dollars, and hospital cash prices are commonly ten times what an independent laboratory charges.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 84443 and the draw fee?
- Will free T4 be added automatically if TSH is abnormal, and what does it cost?
- Can this be done at an outside laboratory?