CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: The University of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hy

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $538
Cash Discount Price: $2,458
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at The University of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hy is $538. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,458. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 133 Park Street, Po Box 729, Malone, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,458

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$538

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: $2,458 (74%)

Insurance Median: $538 (16%)

Cash: $2,458 (74% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $538 (16% 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
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$349 - $834	10%
UnitedHealthcare	$359 - $9,020	11%
Fidelis Care	$436 - $590	13%
Humana	$436	13%
Mvp	$436 - $1,162	13%
Aetna	$513 - $787	15%
Martins Point	$513	15%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$513	15%
Choicecare	$529 - $687	16%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$534 - $10,499	16%
St. Regis	$1,039	31%
Magnacare	$1,966	59%
Highmark Blueshield	$2,409	72%

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 $2,458.
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 of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hy 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.