CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Kearney County Health Services Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $5,721
Cash Discount Price: $5,947
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Kearney County Health Services Hospital is $5,721. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,947. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 727 East 1St St, Minden, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,947

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,721

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: $5,947 (178%)

Insurance Median: $5,721 (171%)

Cash: $5,947 (178% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,721 (171% 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	$1,373 - $6,668	41%
Medica	$1,373 - $23,761	41%
Humana	$1,510 - $6,668	45%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,510 - $11,517	45%
Total Care	$1,525 - $6,868	46%
Aetna	$1,585 - $23,034	47%
Great Plains	$1,585 - $7,001	47%
Healthy Blue	$1,585 - $7,001	47%
Multiplan	$2,690 - $11,881	80%
Healthnet	$2,745 - $12,123	82%
Triwest	$2,745 - $12,123	82%
Molina	$2,827 - $12,487	85%
Private Healthcare Systems And Multiplan	$4,514 - $19,936	135%

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 $5,947.
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 Kearney County Health Services 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.