CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Christ Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,998
Cash Discount Price: $4,572
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Christ Hospital is $2,998. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,572. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,572

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,998

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: $4,572 (137%)

Insurance Median: $2,998 (90%)

Cash: $4,572 (137% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,998 (90% 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	$530 - $8,331	16%
Ambetter / Centene	$530 - $2,998	16%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$530 - $9,954	16%
Caresource [2031]	$530 - $8,331	16%
Cigna	$530 - $2,998	16%
Custom Design Benefits - True Cost [3004]	$530 - $2,998	16%
Humana	$530 - $8,331	16%
Key Benefit Administrators [2221]	$530	16%
Medicaid / KanCare	$530 - $8,331	16%
Medical Mutual [2054]	$530 - $8,833	16%
Medicare (plans)	$530 - $2,998	16%
Meritain Health [2224]	$530 - $2,998	16%
Other Exchange Plan [9992]	$530 - $2,998	16%
Other Workers Compensation [9999]	$530	16%
Tricare	$530	16%
United Medical Resources [2104]	$530 - $7,420	16%
UnitedHealthcare	$530 - $8,331	16%
Wc Corvel [2117]	$530	16%
Wc Sedgwick [3078]	$530	16%
Wc Self [2128]	$530	16%
Allied Benefits [2163]	$2,998	90%
Buckeye Mycare Dual [2171]	$2,998	90%
First Health [2041]	$2,998	90%
Medben [2222]	$2,998	90%
Medigold Ppo [2204]	$2,998	90%
Meridian [2185]	$2,998	90%
Perennial [4200]	$2,998	90%
Poppins Health [2299]	$2,998	90%
Geha [2168]	$7,420	222%
Golden Rule [2161]	$7,420	222%
Amerihealth Caritas [2230]	$8,331	249%
Buckeye Community Health [2028]	$8,331	249%
Life Synch [2080]	$8,331	249%
Western And Southern [2076]	$8,833	264%

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 $4,572.
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 Christ Hospital 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.