CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Ochsner Rush Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,983
Cash Discount Price: $4,442
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Ochsner Rush Hospital is $2,983. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,442. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1314 19Th Ave, Meridian, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,442

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,983

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: $4,442 (133%)

Insurance Median: $2,983 (89%)

Cash: $4,442 (133% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,983 (89% 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 Cross Blue Shield	$1,688 - $1,756	50%
Medicaid / KanCare	$2,398 - $2,518	72%
Cigna	$2,704 - $2,968	81%
Humana	$2,730 - $2,968	82%
Magnolia Health Plan – Wellcare By All Well Of Mississippi	$2,968	89%
Medicare (plans)	$2,968 - $3,413	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,968 - $3,081	89%
Shared Health Mississippi	$3,116	93%
Ambetter / Centene	$4,155	124%
Zelis	$4,897	146%
Prime Health Services Ppo -Workers Comp	$4,925	147%
Cor Vel	$5,029	150%
Primewell Health Services Commercial Exchange Plan	$8,310	249%
Primewell Health Services – Commercial	$8,310	249%

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 $4,442.
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 Rush 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.