CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Wellstar McG Health, Affiliated With Med Col

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $4,014
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Wellstar McG Health, Affiliated With Med Col is $4,014. 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 1.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1120 15Th Street, Augusta, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,014

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: $4,014 (120%)

Ins. Median: $4,014 (120% 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
Alliant Health Plan	$2,323	69%
The Care Network	$2,585 - $4,301	77%
Aetna	$2,867 - $6,389	86%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,925 - $10,432	87%
Select Health	$2,982	89%
Absolute Total Care	$3,011	90%
Clover	$3,068	92%
Industry Buying Group	$3,193	96%
Molina Marketplace	$3,297	99%
Centurion	$3,728	112%
UnitedHealthcare	$4,719 - $8,516	141%
Oscar Healthplan	$4,874	146%
Cigna	$4,923	147%
Naphcare	$5,018	150%
Peachstate	$5,305	159%
Caresource	$5,620	168%

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 Wellstar McG Health, Affiliated With Med Col 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.