CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Methodist Jennie Edmundson

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,343
Cash Discount Price: $1,711
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.00x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Methodist Jennie Edmundson is $3,343. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,711. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.00x the Medicare baseline. Located in 933 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,711

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,343

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: $1,711 (51%)

Insurance Median: $3,343 (100%)

Cash: $1,711 (51% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,343 (100% 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
Medicare (plans)	$466 - $3,361	14%
Elite Choice - Mje	$890 - $6,831	27%
Ambetter / Centene	$970 - $6,931	29%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,137 - $6,651	34%
Aetna	$1,207 - $5,702	36%
Midlands Choice	$1,245 - $3,991	37%
Medica	$2,423 - $5,643	72%
Ne Furniture Mart	$2,623 - $3,421	78%
Medica Choice	$2,851 - $6,639	85%
Humana	$3,295	99%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,343 - $5,512	100%
Wellmark	$4,157 - $4,573	124%

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 $1,711.
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 Methodist Jennie Edmundson 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.