CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,464
Cash Discount Price: $2,153
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $2,464. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,153. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,153

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,464

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3,342.87

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3,342.87 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,153 (64%)

Insurance Median: $2,464 (74%)

Cash: $2,153 (64% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,464 (74% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3,342.87 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.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Cigna	$703 - $3,113	21%
Viva	$1,435 - $3,442	43%
Phcs	$1,722 - $2,009	52%
Beech Street	$1,780 - $2,009	53%
One Health Plan	$1,866	56%
Aetna	$2,009 - $2,993	60%
Geha	$2,009	60%
Healthchoice	$2,009	60%
Alamed	$2,247	67%
Construction Claims Management	$2,322	69%
Multiplan	$2,354	70%
Corvel	$2,372 - $2,583	71%
Novanet	$2,397	72%
Humana	$2,440 - $3,172	73%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,464 - $3,292	74%
Department Of Labor	$2,497	75%
Heritage Summit Health	$2,497	75%
Pnoa	$2,583	77%
Three Rivers	$2,583	77%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,963	89%
Cooper Green	$2,993	90%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$2,993	90%
Triwest	$2,993	90%
United Mine Workers	$2,993	90%
Ambetter / Centene	$4,115	123%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,153.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 29881.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 29881.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.