CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Adventist Health Howard Memorial

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $745
Cash Discount Price: $104
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Adventist Health Howard Memorial is $745. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $104. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Marcela Dr, Willits, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$104

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$745

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: $104 (3%)

Insurance Median: $745 (22%)

Cash: $104 (3% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $745 (22% 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
Medi-Cal	$70 - $551	2%
Brms - All Plans	$221 - $1,625	7%
Blue Shield Mcare	$382 - $521	11%
Tricare	$382 - $521	11%
Medicare (plans)	$386 - $521	12%
UnitedHealthcare	$421 - $1,480	13%
Aetna	$557 - $1,283	17%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$573 - $994	17%
Cigna	$622 - $1,625	19%
Western Growers/Pinnacle - All Plans	$745 - $1,434	22%
Healthnet - All Plans	$759 - $1,568	23%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$859 - $11,710	26%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,305 - $18,046	39%
First Health Ppo - All Plans	$1,530	46%
Ghn Ppo - All Plans	$1,530	46%
Blue Shield Epn	$11,312	338%

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 $104.
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 Adventist Health Howard Memorial 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.