CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Metrohealth System

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $4,024
Cash Discount Price: $1,301
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Metrohealth System is $4,024. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,301. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 Metrohealth Drive, Cleveland, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,301

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,024

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: $1,301 (39%)

Insurance Median: $4,024 (120%)

Cash: $1,301 (39% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,024 (120% 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
Medical Mutual	$1,685 - $12,311	50%
Aetna	$2,273 - $4,953	68%
Summacare	$2,312	69%
Aarp	$3,096	93%
Valor Health	$3,127	94%
Perennial Advantage	$3,157	94%
Cigna	$3,184	95%
Mcgregor Pace	$3,405	102%
Buckeye Health Plan	$4,024	120%
Caresource	$4,334	130%
UnitedHealthcare	$5,028	150%
Health E Ohio	$6,501	194%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$6,732 - $11,802	201%
Clarity Health	$8,048	241%

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 $1,301.
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 Metrohealth System 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.