Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
What it measures
TSH is a hormone from the pituitary gland in your brain. It tells your thyroid how much hormone to make. A high or low TSH level is often the first sign of a thyroid problem.
When it’s ordered
Tiredness, weight change, feeling too hot or too cold, and checking the dose of thyroid medicine.
Medicare coverage
Governed by NCD 190.22 (Thyroid Testing). This national rule lists the diagnoses that support the test. A claim billed with a diagnosis that is not on the list can be denied.
Typical price
Medicare pays a set rate of $16.80 for this test (2026 fee schedule). When Medicare covers this test, you pay nothing. A lab can bill far more if you pay on your own or if Medicare denies the claim, so ask for the price first.
One thing to watch
Ask which reason the office will put on the order before the blood draw. "Routine exam" alone may not support the test.
Look up the current Medicare allowable for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) →
Rates and coverage rules shown apply to Original Medicare (Fee-for-Service) only. Medicare Advantage plans may differ. See our data sources →