How Much Does ACL Reconstruction Surgery Cost?
Also known as: Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj (CPT 29888)
Surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee using a tendon graft.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery (CPT 29888) costs $889 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $7.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: ACL Reconstruction Surgery
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under anesthesia, the surgeon replaces the torn ACL with a graft from your own tissue or a donor. The procedure is done arthroscopically through small incisions.
How Long Does It Take?
1-2 hours surgery, same-day or overnight stay
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Torn ACL from sports injury, knee instability, knee giving way during activity
How to Prepare
Complete pre-surgery physical therapy if prescribed. Fast after midnight. Arrange transportation and home help for the first week.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj
How to Reduce Your Cost for Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj
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
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $4, compared to $7 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (26.63) x CF ($33.40) = $889
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj is $889. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $7. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $4. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj 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 Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Arthrs aid acl rpr/agmntj 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.