CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Carle Eureka Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,256
Cash Discount Price: $2,790
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Carle Eureka Hospital is $1,256. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,790. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 101 S Major St, Eureka, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,790

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,256

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: $2,790 (83%)

Insurance Median: $1,256 (38%)

Cash: $2,790 (83% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,256 (38% 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
Cigna	$82	2%
Meridian	$279 - $1,339	8%
Humana	$505 - $1,256	15%
Aetna	$520 - $1,844	16%
Molina	$558 - $1,339	17%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,256 - $1,721	38%
Community Partners Health Plan (Cphp)	$1,674	50%
Healthlink	$1,814	54%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,869 - $2,344	56%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,092	63%
Wellcare	$3,506	105%

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 $2,790.
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 Carle Eureka Hospital 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.