CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Mid-Columbia Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $650
Cash Discount Price: $840
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Mid-Columbia Medical Center is $650. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $840. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1700 E 19Th Street, The Dalles, OR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$840

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$650

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: $840 (25%)

Insurance Median: $650 (19%)

Cash: $840 (25% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $650 (19% 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	$501 - $1,082	15%
Community Hp Mcr Adv - All Plans	$501	15%
Molina Mcr Adv	$501	15%
Tricare	$501	15%
Va Ccn Triwest - All Plans	$501	15%
Healthnet Mcr Adv	$511	15%
Humana	$516	15%
Moda Mcr Adv	$516	15%
Devoted Mcr Adv - All Plans	$541	16%
Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$551	16%
Molina - All Other Plans	$551	16%
Healthnet - All Other Plans	$749	22%
Cigna	$839	25%
Multiplan/Phcs - All Plans	$851	25%
Molina Mcaid	$909	27%
Aetna	$952	28%
Coventry - All Plans	$967	29%
First Choice - All Plans	$983	29%
Providence Ppo - All Plans	$1,030	31%
Moda Health Plan - All Other Plans	$1,078	32%
Amerigroup Mcaid - All Plans	$1,749	52%
Coordinated Care Mcaid - All Plans	$1,749	52%

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 $840.
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 Mid-Columbia 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.