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 |  | With Health Insurance: $0-$30 or 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | 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[1] in Michigan charges $39, Accesa Labs[2] , with locations across the United States, charges $60 and Health Testing Centers[3] , 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[4] in Nebraska charges about $340, not including the doctor fee, and Baptist Memorial Health Care in Tennessee charges about $475 with imaging.
Related articles: Thyroiditis Treatment, Hyperthyroidism Treatment, Hypothyroidism Treatment, Health Insurance
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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[5] .
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[6] 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[7] by zip code.
- For patients who want anonymity or do not wish to go through a doctor, companies such as LabCorp[8] , Quest Diagnostics[9] and Health Testing Centers[10] 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[11] , but not all endocrinologists focus on the thyroid. The American Thyroid Association offers a thyroid specialist locator[12] 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: TJone in Lexington, GA. | Posted: June 12th, 2018 12:06PM |
| Test: TSH, Free T4 and T3 | Provider: Health Dept. or Labcorp |
| Insurance Carrier: Uninsured |
I have had acquired hypothyroidism for 26 years and can count the number of years I've been insured on one hand. The thyroid panel was a source of extreme stress because to get my meds refilled I had to have the test. The last time I did it through the doctors office, they sent me a bill from LabCorp for $380. Because I couldn't afford insurance, let alone a high bill for blood work so I could purchase a $30 a month prescription, I researched other ways of getting the blood work I needed. I found out that the local health dept. does TSH screenings for $25! I would go to the health dept and have it done then pick up a copy and take it to my doctor so they could determine the correct dosage for my meds. |
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| Posted by: Jageorges in Cheyenne, WY. | Posted: June 13th, 2017 08:06AM |
| Insurance Carrier: Blue cross |
Very expensive for one test. Does not include the doctors charge |
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| Posted by: Thisbillistohigh in Jacksonville, FL. | Posted: January 13th, 2017 04:01PM |
Any ideas what to do? I do not want to pay this. |
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| Posted by: m blacconiere in Hinsdale, IL. | Posted: December 25th, 2016 02:12PM |
| Insurance Carrier: blue cross |
Hinsdale hospital out other lab charged this rediculous amount my co pay is 194. I refuse to pay the co pay it is outrageous! What happens to people with poor insurance. Shame on the Advocate system of hospital's that advertise being "Christian" |
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| Posted by: Helpful Person in Chattanooga, TN. | Posted: December 6th, 2016 07:12PM |
| Test: Thyroid Full Panel | Provider: MyMedLab |
| Insurance Carrier: None |
When I look up the cost without insurance this is what it shows.
Thyroid (TSH)
Free T4 (FT4)
Free T3 (FT3)
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO)
Thyroid Antibody (Anti-thyroid AB) |
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| Posted by: SZ in Boston, MA. | Posted: May 20th, 2016 07:05AM |
| Test: TSH,T3,T4 and Tg antibodies | Provider: endocrinology |
| Insurance Carrier: Anthem BC/BS |
$450 for a blood test for TSH,T3,T4 and TG antibodies...
...and i need to do this every six months!! Outrageous...it took them less than 5min to draw the blood. Thankfully, I have insurance but for those who don't it stinks!! |
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| Posted by: Abcdefghijk in Edgerton, WI. | Posted: April 5th, 2016 07:04PM |
| Insurance Carrier: Aetna |
Insurance has paid these lab tests, until now. No notice of change. Ridiculous, especially for a plan running 18k a year. |
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| Posted by: K.C. in Butler, MO. | Posted: November 13th, 2012 04:11PM |
| Test: tsh | Provider: Bates County Memorial Hospital |
| Insurance Carrier: BCBS |
All I had was a simple TSH level taken. This test took 5 minutes and I knew the results before I left. They charged my insurance $520!!!rnThey never sent me a bill. They sent me to collections and the bill was $384.84. I never received a bill. I have an 830 credit score! I'm angry! |
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| Posted by: Bree in Valdosta, GA. | Posted: February 3rd, 2012 12:02PM |
| Test: tsh full panel | Provider: Valdosta Family Medicine |
| Insurance Carrier: n/a |
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but having no insurance could not afford the $200 the doctor wanted to charge each 6 months to monitor my thyroid while on Synthroid. |
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External Resources: |
- www.affordablelab.net/Common-Test-Price-list.html
- www.accesalabs.com/thyroid
- www.healthtestingcenters.com/thyroid-test.aspx
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/FunctionTests_brochure.pdf
- findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
- doctor.webmd.com/home.aspx?sponsor=core
- /www.labcorp.com/wps/portal/findalab/
- www.questdiagnostics.com/home.html
- www.healthtestingcenters.com
- /www.aace.com/resources/find-an-endocrinologist
- www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/endocrinology-thyroid-doctor/
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