CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Christus St Michael Health System

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $3,185
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Christus St Michael Health System is $3,185. 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 0.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2600 St Michael Dr, Texarkana, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,185

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: $3,185 (95%)

Ins. Median: $3,185 (95% 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
Arkansas Total Care	$297	9%
Empower Healthcare Solutions	$303	9%
UnitedHealthcare	$485 - $10,839	15%
Amerigroup	$1,088 - $3,440	33%
Superior	$1,088	33%
Texas True Choice	$1,088	33%
Summit Community Care	$1,110	33%
Molina	$1,143 - $3,185	34%
Texas Children'S Health Plan	$1,143	34%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,984 - $7,254	89%
Aetna	$3,185 - $4,164	95%
Christus Health	$3,185 - $4,459	95%
Coventry	$3,185	95%
Humana	$3,185 - $6,809	95%
Texas Healthspring	$3,185	95%
Triwest	$3,185	95%
Windsor	$3,185	95%
Provider Partners Health Plan	$3,281	98%
Texas Independence Health Plan	$3,281	98%
Shared Health Insurance Company	$3,344	100%
Tribute Health Plan	$3,344	100%
Us Imaging Network	$3,408	102%
Imperial Health Plan	$3,504	105%
Medicare (plans)	$3,504	105%
Procare Advantage	$3,504	105%
State Of Oklahoma	$4,200	126%
Healthcare Highways	$4,941	148%
Naphcare Inc.	$6,370	191%
Qualchoice	$6,842	205%
Cigna	$9,241	276%
Five Point Credit Union	$10,721	321%

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 Christus St Michael Health System 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.