CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $4,764
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is $4,764. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,764

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%)

Insurance Median: $4,764 (143%)

Ins. Median: $4,764 (143% 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
Brown Toland	$640 - $4,764	19%
Sfhp	$771	23%
California Health & Wellness	$790	24%
Health Plan San Mateo	$790 - $4,764	24%
Kaiser	$790 - $4,764	24%
Partnership Health Plan	$790	24%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$980 - $16,676	29%
Health Net	$1,157 - $13,454	35%
Aetna	$4,764	143%
Blue Shield Ca	$4,764 - $11,112	143%
Chinese Community	$4,764	143%
Connected Care	$4,764	143%
Humana	$4,764	143%
Mhn	$4,764	143%
United	$4,764	143%
Kentfield	$13,817	413%
Oscar	$15,627	467%

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 $X.
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 UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital 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.