 | With Health Insurance: $0-$30 or 10%-50% Coinsurance |
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 | Without Health Insurance: $35-$500+ |
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| Thyroid tests can measure the thyroid hormones, antibodies and proteins in the blood and are used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormone, hyperthyroidism, in which it produces too much, or thyroid cancer. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for a thyroid test typically consist of a copay of $0 -$30 or more, or coinsurance of 10-50% or more. Thyroid tests typically are covered by health insurance when medically necessary.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a thyroid test typically costs $35 -$500 or more, depending on the type of test. For example, for a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test -- which tests for levels of a hormone that affects thyroid function -- Affordable Lab in Michigan charges $39, Accesa Labs, with locations across the United States, charges $60 and Health Testing Centers, also with locations across the United States, charges $79. For a T3 test -- which tests levels of a hormone, produced by the thyroid, that affects metabolism -- Affordable Lab charges $35, Accesa Labs charges $70 and Health Testing Centers charges $99.
- For a T4 test -- which measures levels of another hormone also involved in metabolism -- Affordable Lab charges $45, Accesa Labs charges $70 and Health Testing Centers charges $129. For a thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) test -- which tests for antibodies against a thyroid enzyme, and can be helpful in diagnosing thyroiditis -- Health Testing Centers charges $49 and Accesa Labs charges $70. For a package of thyroid function tests, Accesa Labs charges $150 and Health Testing Centers charges $179. And for a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test, which typically is performed in the radiology department of a hospital, Stain Elizabeth Medical Center in Nebraska charges about $340, not including the doctor fee, and Baptist Memorial Health Care in Tennessee charges about $475 with imaging.
What should be included: | - A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test often is the first test ordered to check thyroid function. High levels of TSH might suggest hypothyroidism, while low levels might suggest hyperthyroidism.
- A free T4 test or free T4 index checks levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) circulating freely in the blood. In combination with a TSH test, a free T4 test or index can be used to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and help determine the cause of the problem.
- A T3 test checks blood levels of triiodothyronine (T3), which is T4 converted by the body through the removal of an iodine atom. This test can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid antibody tests check the blood for antibodies produced by the body that can harm the thyroid. This test can be used to diagnose conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disease or certain types of thyroiditis, in which the thyroid becomes inflamed.
- In a radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU), the patient ingests a small amount of radioactive iodine, and the doctor measures how much iodine the thyroid takes from the blood. This test can help diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- The American Thyroid Association offers an overview of thyroid tests.
Additional costs: | - A doctor might order several different thyroid tests to diagnose and determine the severity of a thyroid problem, and periodic tests might be required for monitoring.
Discounts: | - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator for clinics that provide discounts on an income-based sliding scale.
Shopping for a thyroid test: | - A thyroid test can be done at the office of a primary care provider or specialist, or at a clinic or hospital. WebMD offers a doctor locator by zip code.
- For patients who want anonymity or do not wish to go through a doctor, companies such as LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics and Health Testing Centers offer laboratory testing direct to patients. However, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor for any health concerns.
- If a thyroid problem is suspected or diagnosed, the doctor might refer the patient to an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid issues. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists offers an endocrinologist locator, but not all endocrinologists focus on the thyroid. The American Thyroid Association offers a thyroid specialist locator by state.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2011 |
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