CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $753
Cash Discount Price: $2,319
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is $753. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,319. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 444 North Main Street, Akron, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,319

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$753

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: $2,319 (69%)

Insurance Median: $753 (23%)

Cash: $2,319 (69% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $753 (23% 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
Bc Mcr Adv	$495	15%
Summacare Mcr Adv	$495	15%
UnitedHealthcare	$516 - $739	15%
Aetna	$527	16%
Summacare Comm - All Other Plans	$540	16%
Aultcare - All Plans	$545	16%
The Health Plan - All Plans	$644	19%
Cigna	$680	20%
Med Mutual Nas	$753	23%
Bc Blue Access	$795	24%
Bc Ohi/Ohii	$795	24%
Bc Pathway	$795	24%
Bc Preferred	$795	24%
Bc Trad - All Other Plans	$795	24%
Health Oh Network - All Plans	$1,855	55%
Ohio Health Choice - All Plans	$1,855	55%
Multiplan - All Plans	$2,041	61%
Healthsmart - All Plans	$2,628	79%

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 $2,319.
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 Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic 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.