CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Ochsner LSU Health Monroe

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,846
Cash Discount Price: $21,696
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe is $2,846. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $21,696. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4864 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$21,696

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,846

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: $21,696 (649%)

Insurance Median: $2,846 (85%)

Cash: $21,696 (649% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,846 (85% 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 (Formerly Amerigroup Louisiana Inc.)	$680	20%
Humana	$680 - $2,949	20%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$680	20%
UnitedHealthcare	$680 - $2,974	20%
Cigna	$1,564	47%
Multiplan/Phcs/American Lifecare	$1,701	51%
First Health Network	$2,151	64%
(Healthy Louisiana) And Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$2,949	88%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,949 - $3,838	88%
Medicare (plans)	$2,949	88%
Vantage Health Plan - Commercial	$4,866	146%
Zelis	$5,191	155%
Healthcomp Ppo (Formerly Gilsbar 360	$7,373	221%

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 $21,696.
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 LSU Health Monroe 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.