CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Ashtabula County Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,911
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.57x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Ashtabula County Medical Center is $1,911. 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 0.57x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2420 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,911

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: $1,911 (57%)

Ins. Median: $1,911 (57% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$516 - $3,392	15%
Caresource	$516 - $3,392	15%
Medical Mutual	$516 - $8,396	15%
Summacare	$542 - $2,113	16%
Valor	$542 - $3,561	16%
Oscar Cleveland	$697	21%
Aetna	$748 - $3,392	22%
UnitedHealthcare	$751 - $3,459	22%
Cigna	$806 - $3,566	24%
Molina Marketplace	$4,307	129%

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 Ashtabula County Medical 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.