CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Erlanger Medical Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $855
Cash Discount Price: $606
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Erlanger Medical Center is $855. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $606. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 975 E 3Rd St, Chattanooga, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$606

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$855

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: $606 (18%)

Insurance Median: $855 (26%)

Cash: $606 (18% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $855 (26% 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
Humana	$436 - $2,976	13%
UnitedHealthcare	$455 - $4,567	14%
Cigna	$476 - $2,976	14%
Bluecare	$523 - $3,095	16%
Amerigroup	$532 - $1,457	16%
Caresource	$532 - $5,953	16%
Peach State Hlth Plan	$532	16%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$583 - $3,446	17%
Alexian	$684 - $2,976	20%
Clover	$684 - $2,976	20%
Medicare (plans)	$684	20%
Upmc	$684 - $2,976	20%
Aetna	$687 - $3,066	21%
Pruitthealth Premier	$701	21%
American Health	$705 - $3,066	21%
Devoted Health	$711 - $3,095	21%
Nhc	$718 - $3,125	21%
Atrio Health	$752 - $3,274	22%
Simpra Advantage	$752	22%
Ambetter / Centene	$855 - $3,720	26%
Caresource Ga	$954 - $1,711	29%
Caresource Tn	$954 - $1,711	29%
Olympus	$1,026 - $1,163	31%
Pnoa	$1,057 - $7,441	32%
Alliant	$1,094 - $1,146	33%
Caresource Nc	$1,152 - $1,711	34%
Occunet	$1,197 - $2,828	36%
Point Comfort Underwriters	$1,201 - $1,231	36%
Wellpoint	$2,792	84%

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 $606.
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 Erlanger 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.