CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,949
Cash Discount Price: $2,570
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics is $2,949. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,570. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2390 West Congress, Lafayette, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,570

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,949

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: $2,570 (77%)

Insurance Median: $2,949 (88%)

Cash: $2,570 (77% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,949 (88% 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	$680 - $2,949	20%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$680	20%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$680	20%
Humana	$680	20%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$680	20%
UnitedHealthcare	$680 - $5,726	20%
Cigna	$2,217	66%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,949 - $4,277	88%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$2,949	88%
Medicare (plans)	$2,949	88%
Ochsner Health Plan	$2,949	88%
Tricare	$2,949	88%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$3,038	91%
Wellcare Of Louisiana	$3,097	93%
Zelis	$7,495	224%

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 $2,570.
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 Ochsner University Hospital and 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.