CMS Price Transparency Data

Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair

Facility: Black River Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 29881 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 29881
Insurance Median: $1,432
Cash Discount Price: $2,112
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair at Black River Memorial Hospital is $1,432. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,112. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 0.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 711 W Adams St, Black River Falls, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,112

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,432

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: $2,112 (63%)

Insurance Median: $1,432 (43%)

Cash: $2,112 (63% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,432 (43% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$489 - $751	15%
Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire	$489 - $2,277	15%
My Choice Wisconsin, Inc.	$489 - $751	15%
Quartz Health Solutions, Inc	$489 - $2,136	15%
UnitedHealthcare	$489 - $2,277	15%
Humana	$497 - $2,183	15%
Security Health Plan	$751 - $1,966	22%
The Alliance	$751 - $1,995	22%
Corvel	$1,432	43%
Triology Health Solutions	$2,112 - $2,230	63%
Medica	$2,192	66%
Association Benefits Solution	$2,230	67%
Family Health Center Of Marshfield	$2,230	67%
First Health Group Corporation	$2,230	67%
Provider Network Of America	$2,230	67%
Multiplan	$2,253 - $2,277	67%
Cigna	$2,277	68%
Cofinity	$2,277	68%
Coventry Health Care	$2,277	68%
Custom Benefit Administrators	$2,277	68%
Healthpartners, Inc.	$2,277	68%
Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corp	$2,277	68%
Chorus	$2,300	69%

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 $2,112.
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 Black River Memorial Hospital 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.