CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,796
Cash Discount Price: $6,987
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Milton S Hershey Medical Center is $3,796. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,987. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,987

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,796

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: $6,987 (209%)

Insurance Median: $3,796 (114%)

Cash: $6,987 (209% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,796 (114% 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
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$2,950 - $3,470	88%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$2,950 - $3,470	88%
[Geisinger]	$3,123 - $15,716	93%
[Health Partners Plans]	$3,227 - $3,540	97%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$3,245 - $3,574	97%
[Highmark]	$3,436 - $18,662	103%
Aetna	$3,505 - $14,284	105%
Humana	$3,505	105%
[Healthspring]	$3,505	105%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,540 - $15,206	106%
[Upmc]	$3,540 - $15,581	106%
[Cbc]	$3,796 - $13,968	114%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$4,338	130%
[Highmark Aca]	$13,063	391%
Cigna	$13,483	403%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$14,929	447%
[Preferred Healthcare Systems]	$15,818	473%
[First Health]	$16,872	505%
[Multiplan]	$16,872	505%

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 $6,987.
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 Milton S Hershey 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.