CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $2,023
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is $2,023. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,023

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%)

Insurance Median: $2,023 (61%)

Ins. Median: $2,023 (61% 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
Texaschildrens	$402 - $458	12%
Tricare	$477 - $561	14%
Vacare	$477 - $561	14%
UnitedHealthcare	$575 - $3,556	17%
Medicare (plans)	$673	20%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$968 - $1,079	29%
Aetna	$1,081 - $2,245	32%
Cigna	$1,268 - $4,318	38%
Humana	$3,048 - $4,216	91%
Ontarioministriesofhealth	$3,759	112%
Beijingst.Lucia	$3,810	114%
Embassyofqatar	$3,810	114%
Memorialhermannhealth	$3,810	114%
Emergingtherapysolutions_Cancercare	$4,064	122%
Interlink_Cancercare	$4,064	122%
Saudiarmedforces	$4,064	122%
Uae_Medical	$4,064	122%
Uaepoliceattache	$4,064	122%
Healthsmart	$4,318	129%
Vantage	$4,318	129%
Multiplan	$5,284	158%
Phcs	$5,284	158%

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 $X.
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 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer 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.