CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Saint Vincent Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $788
Cash Discount Price: $277
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Saint Vincent Hospital is $788. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $277. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 232 West 25Th Street, Erie, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$277

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$788

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: $277 (8%)

Insurance Median: $788 (24%)

Cash: $277 (8% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $788 (24% 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
Univera	$58 - $654	2%
Amerihealth	$571 - $3,707	17%
Aetna	$598 - $7,187	18%
University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center	$625 - $3,530	19%
Highmark	$676 - $5,150	20%
Pennsylvania Health And Wellness	$717 - $1,398	21%
Highmark Wholecare	$750 - $3,742	22%
Geisinger	$788 - $1,491	24%
UnitedHealthcare	$788 - $95,348	24%
Jefferson Health Plans	$832 - $1,426	25%
Cigna	$868 - $7,532	26%
American Health Plans	$3,530	106%
Life Pittsburgh	$3,530	106%
Martin'S Point	$3,530	106%
Medicare (plans)	$3,636	109%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3,707 - $5,564	111%
Humana	$3,742	112%
Molina	$3,848	115%
Medical Mutual	$7,532	225%

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 $277.
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 Saint Vincent 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.