CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: St Joseph's University Medical Center Inc

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,361
Cash Discount Price: $1,847
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at St Joseph's University Medical Center Inc is $1,361. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,847. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,847

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,361

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: $1,847 (55%)

Insurance Median: $1,361 (41%)

Cash: $1,847 (55% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,361 (41% 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
Fidelis Care of New Jersey	$429 - $4,082	13%
UnitedHealthcare	$429 - $5,706	13%
Aetna	$572 - $7,930	17%
Ambetter / Centene	$572 - $5,831	17%
Amerihealth	$572 - $3,887	17%
Clover Health	$572 - $3,887	17%
Horizon New Jersey Total Care	$572 - $3,887	17%
Wellpoint	$572 - $3,887	17%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$718 - $11,068	21%
Multiplan	$858	26%
Private Healthcare Systems	$1,200	36%
Consumer Health Network	$1,522	46%
Horizon New Jersey Health	$1,547 - $1,570	46%
Cigna	$1,847	55%
Longevity Health Plan	$4,470	134%
Oxford	$5,256	157%

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 $1,847.
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 St Joseph's University Medical Center Inc 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.