CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Bellevue Hospital Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,195
Cash Discount Price: $3,743
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Bellevue Hospital Center is $2,195. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,743. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 462 First Avenue, New York, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,743

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,195

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: $3,743 (112%)

Insurance Median: $2,195 (66%)

Cash: $3,743 (112% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,195 (66% 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	$257 - $558	8%
Healthfirst	$313 - $4,939	9%
Emblem	$319 - $5,759	10%
Magnacare	$320	10%
Oxford	$362 - $4,032	11%
United	$434 - $4,032	13%
Affinity	$551 - $4,939	16%
Oscar	$614 - $783	18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$627 - $9,301	19%
Centerlight	$627 - $3,840	19%
Elderplan	$627 - $3,840	19%
Fidelis	$627 - $5,452	19%
Wellcare	$636 - $4,043	19%
Centers Plan For Healthy Living	$652 - $3,993	20%
Hamaspik	$658	20%
Local 1199	$686 - $9,882	21%
Metroplus	$1,999 - $4,939	60%
Amidacare	$2,195	66%
Carelon	$2,195 - $7,557	66%
Senior Whole Health	$2,195	66%
United Behavioral Health	$2,195 - $2,415	66%
Carelon (Amida Care)	$2,239	67%
Vnsny	$2,239 - $3,840	67%
Vaccn	$3,840	115%
Villagecare Max	$5,615	168%
Multiplan	$9,301	278%

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 $3,743.
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 Bellevue Hospital 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.