Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair
Facility: Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 29881
- Insurance Median: $602
- Cash Discount Price: $1,100
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.18x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
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 | $469 - $687 | 14% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $516 | 15% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $1,027 | 31% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. in Marysville, KS, the cash median price is $1,100.00, which matches the facility's gross charge. This cash rate is significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $3,342.87, indicating a substantial discount for self-pay patients. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, the negotiated rates for commercial payers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield range from $469 to $1,027. Patients should be aware that while in-network insurance contracts cap charges, the actual amount paid often depends on individual deductibles and plan specifics, meaning the cash price may be the most affordable option for those with high deductibles or no coverage.
To secure the best possible rate, patients should proactively ask the billing department about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid upfront. It is also important to request a detailed, itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes that can be disputed. Since the facility is located in a specific geographic area, comparing this pricing to broader state or county averages helps contextualize the markup, but the most effective strategy remains verifying the exact allowed amount with your insurance carrier before scheduling to avoid unexpected balance billing or out-of-pocket costs.