CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: UPMC Chautauqua at Wca

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,938
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.18x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at UPMC Chautauqua at Wca is $3,938. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.18x the Medicare baseline. Located in 207 Foote Avenue, Jamestown, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,938

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%)

Insurance Median: $3,938 (118%)

Ins. Median: $3,938 (118% 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
Upmc Health Plan	$679 - $4,044	20%
Geisinger	$755	23%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$820	25%
Univera	$1,198 - $1,902	36%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,581 - $3,040	47%
Magnacare	$1,638	49%
Independent Health	$3,913 - $4,885	117%
Beacon	$3,964 - $4,955	119%
Fidelis	$3,964	119%
Humana	$3,964	119%
United Behavioral Health	$3,964	119%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,964	119%
Wellcare	$4,083	122%
Aetna	$4,123	123%

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 $X.
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 UPMC Chautauqua at Wca 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.