CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Cheshire Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,357
Cash Discount Price: $2,018
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.00x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Cheshire Medical Center is $3,357. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,018. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.00x the Medicare baseline. Located in 580 Court Street, Keene, NH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,018

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,357

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: $2,018 (60%)

Insurance Median: $3,357 (100%)

Cash: $2,018 (60% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,357 (100% 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
Aetna	$386 - $5,000	12%
Ambetter / Centene	$390 - $3,014	12%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$390 - $11,003	12%
Cigna	$390 - $6,627	12%
Martin'S Point Generations Advantage	$390 - $3,390	12%
Martin'S Point Health Care	$390 - $3,390	12%
Mvp	$390 - $6,627	12%
UnitedHealthcare	$390 - $5,548	12%
Wellcare Health Plans	$390 - $3,390	12%
Wellsense Health Plan	$390 - $3,628	12%
Amerihealth Caritas Nh	$459 - $895	14%
Granite State Health Plan	$459 - $1,221	14%
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Of Ne	$1,557 - $6,372	47%
Tufts Health Plan	$1,562 - $4,666	47%
Mass General Brigham Health Plan	$2,287 - $7,310	68%
Maine Community Health Options	$3,290	98%
First Health/Hcvm	$6,214	186%
Phcs	$6,579	197%

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 $2,018.
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 Cheshire 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.