CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Great Plains Health

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $21,283
Cash Discount Price: $14,650
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Great Plains Health is $21,283. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $14,650. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 6.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 601 West Leota St, North Platte, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$14,650

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$21,283

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: $14,650 (438%)

Insurance Median: $21,283 (637%)

Cash: $14,650 (438% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $21,283 (637% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 637% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 537%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Nebraska Total Care	$508 - $3,392	15%
Molina	$555 - $3,701	17%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,079 - $21,608	32%
Midlands Choice	$1,681 - $22,707	50%
Ambetter / Centene	$2,311 - $15,420	69%
Midwest Network Alliance	$20,551 - $21,283	615%
Medica	$22,463	672%
Oscar Health	$22,707	679%
Coventry	$22,951 - $23,195	687%
Geha	$22,951	687%
Mutual Of Omaha	$23,195	694%
UnitedHealthcare	$23,195	694%

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 $14,650.
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 Great Plains 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.