CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $4,857
Cash Discount Price: $6,709
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington is $4,857. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,709. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in 41 & 45 Mall Road, Burlington, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,709

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,857

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: $6,709 (201%)

Insurance Median: $4,857 (145%)

Cash: $6,709 (201% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,857 (145% 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	$2,208	66%
Unicare	$2,830	85%
Aetna	$3,921	117%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5,793 - $7,280	173%
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare	$6,989	209%

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 $6,709.
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 Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington 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.