CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Carolina East Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,032
Cash Discount Price: $1,746
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Carolina East Medical Center is $2,032. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,746. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,746

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,032

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: $1,746 (52%)

Insurance Median: $2,032 (61%)

Cash: $1,746 (52% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,032 (61% 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
Humana	$483	14%
Inclusive Health (Nchirp)-All Plans	$483	14%
Tricare	$483	14%
Pamlico Co Jail-All Plans	$774	23%
Craven Co. Jail Systems - All Plans	$932	28%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,018	30%
Medcost Ppo Employees And Retirees	$1,911	57%
Medcost Ppo Ultra (Employees)	$1,911	57%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,032	61%
Medcost Ppo City Employees	$2,120	63%
Medcost Ppo County Employee	$2,204	66%
Benefit Mgmt, Svcs-All Plans	$2,474	74%
Medcost Benefit Svc-All Other Plans	$2,572	77%
Aetna	$2,578	77%
Acs Consult Svc Inc-All Plans	$2,628	79%
Medcost Ppo Standard	$2,628	79%
Cigna	$2,648	79%

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 $1,746.
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 Carolina East Medical Center 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.