CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,693
Cash Discount Price: $2,235
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care is $1,693. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,235. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,235

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,693

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: $2,235 (67%)

Insurance Median: $1,693 (51%)

Cash: $2,235 (67% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,693 (51% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$359 - $3,270	11%
Mvp	$438 - $4,087	13%
Aetna	$515 - $3,270	15%
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$515 - $3,270	15%
Humana	$515 - $3,270	15%
Martins Point	$515 - $3,352	15%
St. Regis	$515 - $3,270	15%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$515 - $3,270	15%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$525 - $6,221	16%
Fidelis Care	$592 - $3,597	18%
Wellpath	$721 - $4,905	22%
Ebpa	$1,721	51%
Harvard Pilgrim	$1,788	53%
Magnacare	$1,788	53%
Coventry	$1,900	57%
Cigna	$1,949	58%
Nppn	$2,012	60%

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 $2,235.
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 Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care 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.