CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: The University Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,701
Cash Discount Price: $4,256
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at The University Hospital is $3,701. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,256. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,256

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,701

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: $4,256 (127%)

Insurance Median: $3,701 (111%)

Cash: $4,256 (127% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,701 (111% 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
Horizon	$741 - $7,413	22%
Amerihealth	$1,050 - $3,701	31%
Aetna	$2,817 - $6,040	84%
Fidelis	$2,817 - $3,701	84%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,817 - $3,701	84%
Wellpoint	$2,873	86%
United	$3,597	108%
Clover Health	$3,701	111%
First Health	$6,716	201%
Americare	$7,196	215%
Qualcare	$7,196	215%
Correctional Medical Services	$7,676	230%
Multiplan	$7,676	230%
First Trenton	$8,635	258%
Managed Care Inc	$8,635	258%
Consumer Health Network	$9,115	273%
Three Rivers	$9,115	273%

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 $4,256.
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 The 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.