CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,022
Cash Discount Price: $2,791
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $3,022. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,791. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,791

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,022

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: $2,791 (83%)

Insurance Median: $3,022 (90%)

Cash: $2,791 (83% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,022 (90% 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
Aetna	$491 - $21,467	15%
Iowa Total Care	$491 - $3,175	15%
Medical Associates	$491 - $2,601	15%
Molina Healthcare	$491	15%
UnitedHealthcare	$491 - $10,240	15%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$501 - $3,114	15%
Healthpartners	$501 - $3,389	15%
American Health Plan	$515 - $3,206	15%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$515 - $3,206	15%
Immergrun	$997	30%
Aplos Health Plan	$1,251	37%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$1,442 - $2,990	43%
Midlands Choice	$1,752 - $2,061	52%
Oscar Health	$2,512	75%
Great River Health Systems	$2,791	83%
Sedgwick	$3,190	95%
Global Excel	$3,389	101%
Sanford Health Plan	$3,389	101%
Employee Benefit Systems	$3,509	105%
Sisco	$3,509	105%
Healthsmart	$3,588	107%
Hfn	$3,668	110%
Multiplan	$3,668	110%

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 $2,791.
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 University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics 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.