How Much Does Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy Cost?
Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy (CPT 29881) costs vary by location and insurance at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $3.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy costs across different settings and payers
Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $628 | $816 — $1,256 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $468 | $608 — $935 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $461 | $600 — $923 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $504 | $655 — $1,008 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $527 | $686 — $1,055 |
| CA — CHICO | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $524 | $681 — $1,048 |
| CA — FRESNO | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $556 | $723 — $1,112 |
| CA — MADERA | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — MERCED | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — MODESTO | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — NAPA | $586 | $762 — $1,173 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $551 | $716 — $1,102 |
| CA — REDDING | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $524 | $681 — $1,047 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $539 | $700 — $1,077 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $544 | $707 — $1,088 |
| CA — SALINAS | $542 | $705 — $1,084 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $551 | $716 — $1,102 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $614 | $798 — $1,227 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $612 | $796 — $1,224 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $628 | $817 — $1,257 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $622 | $808 — $1,244 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $461 to $628 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $1, compared to $3 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy is variable. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $3. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $1. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.