CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $5,739
Cash Discount Price: $5,741
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.72x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is $5,739. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,741. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,741

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,739

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: $5,741 (172%)

Insurance Median: $5,739 (172%)

Cash: $5,741 (172% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,739 (172% 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	$429 - $3,765	13%
Wellpoint	$487 - $3,765	15%
Aetna	$3,765 - $6,992	113%
Clover Health	$3,765	113%
Fidelis Care	$3,765	113%
Humana	$3,765	113%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,840 - $7,129	115%
Wellcare	$7,492	224%
Emblem Health	$7,906	237%
Cigna	$22,343 - $23,533	668%

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 $5,741.
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 Robert Wood Johnson University 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.