CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: The Children's Mercy Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,019
Cash Discount Price: $776
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at The Children's Mercy Hospital is $1,019. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $776. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$776

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,019

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: $776 (23%)

Insurance Median: $1,019 (30%)

Cash: $776 (23% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,019 (30% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$519 - $1,027	16%
Healthy Blue	$554 - $768	17%
Medicaid / KanCare	$559	17%
Wppa Providrs Care	$634	19%
Healthlink	$662	20%
Health Midwest Comprehensive Care	$723	22%
Home State Health	$768	23%
American Healthcare Alliance	$776	23%
Quiktrip	$819	24%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$834 - $1,079	25%
Medica	$942	28%
Humana	$1,000	30%
Wellfit/Centrus	$1,000	30%
Orscheln	$1,011	30%
Nebraska Furniture Mart	$1,020	31%
Centivo	$1,030	31%
Aetna	$1,045 - $1,249	31%
Multiplan	$1,091	33%
Mercy Health	$1,180	35%
Coxhealth Network	$1,196	36%
Cigna	$1,262	38%
Coventry Health Care Of Kansas	$1,321	40%
National Preferred Provider Network	$1,422	43%

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 $776.
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 The Children's Mercy Hospital 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.