CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $960
Cash Discount Price: $2,418
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.29x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion is $960. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,418. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1316 South Main Street, Clarion, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,418

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$960

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: $2,418 (72%)

Insurance Median: $960 (29%)

Cash: $2,418 (72% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $960 (29% 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
Tricare	$467	14%
Triwest Va - All Plans	$467	14%
Aetna	$511	15%
Healthscope Stellar-All Plans	$771	23%
UnitedHealthcare	$926	28%
Wellmark Hmo	$934	28%
Health Partners Ish-All Other Plans	$987	30%
Wellmark Ppo - All Other Plans	$1,108	33%
Cigna	$1,126	34%
Midlands Choice-All Plans	$1,126	34%
Auxiant Clarion Schools-All Plans	$2,620	78%
Health Partners Prestage	$3,022	90%

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 $2,418.
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 Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion 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.