CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $913
Cash Discount Price: $1,179
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Astera Health is $913. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,179. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,179

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$913

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: $1,179 (35%)

Insurance Median: $913 (27%)

Cash: $1,179 (35% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $913 (27% 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
Blue Plus Pmap [40002]	$318 - $513	10%
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$384 - $6,323	11%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$397 - $8,737	12%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$397 - $6,479	12%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$397 - $6,479	12%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$513 - $13,210	15%
Health Partners [10045]	$513 - $12,420	15%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$513 - $127,156	15%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$513	15%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$513 - $7,296	15%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$515 - $829	15%
UnitedHealthcare	$689 - $13,427	21%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$1,213 - $12,913	36%
Multiplan	$1,306 - $13,896	39%
Aetna	$1,469 - $15,633	44%

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 $1,179.
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 Astera Health 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.