CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Franciscan Health Rensselaer, Inc

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $7,526
Cash Discount Price: $8,410
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Franciscan Health Rensselaer, Inc is $7,526. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $8,410. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 2.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1104 E Grace St, Rensselaer, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$8,410

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$7,526

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: $8,410 (252%)

Insurance Median: $7,526 (225%)

Cash: $8,410 (252% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $7,526 (225% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 225% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 125%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Mdwise [1175]	$2,274	68%
Medicaid / KanCare	$2,274 - $2,728	68%
Managed Health Services [1302]	$2,344	70%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7,109 - $8,371	213%
Unicare [1150]	$7,943	238%
Commercial [2001]	$13,183	394%
Managed Care [2000]	$13,183	394%

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 $8,410.
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 Franciscan Health Rensselaer, Inc 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.