Heads up: Single-side meniscectomy (29881) is the baseline. If both sides are repaired (29880), expect a similar or slightly higher rate.
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera inside the knee joint. The code depends on what's done during the procedure — a diagnostic scope alone is rarely performed without any repair. Meniscus procedures are among the most common outpatient orthopedic surgeries.
Tip: Meniscus tear surgery is almost always 29881 or 29880. Discuss the specific code with your surgeon before scheduling.
| Code | Variant | When it applies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT 29870 | Diagnostic arthroscopy | Camera only, no repair | See exact rates → |
| CPT 29881 | With meniscectomy (one side) | Torn meniscus trimmed or removed — medial or lateral | See exact rates → |
| CPT 29880 | With meniscectomy (both sides) | Both medial and lateral meniscus | See exact rates → |
| CPT 29879 | With abrasion arthroplasty | Cartilage surface treatment | See exact rates → |
Ranges span all billing codes for this procedure. Actual rate depends on which variant is performed.
| Insurance | AdventHealth Tampa | AdventHealth Wesley Chapel | AdventHealth Zephyrhills | HCA Florida Brandon Hospital | HCA Florida Largo Hospital | HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital | HCA Florida Trinity Hospital | HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best | $499–$665Best |
| Workers Comp | — | — | — | $3,446–$11,430Best | $3,446–$11,430Best | $3,446–$11,430Best | $3,446–$11,430Best | $3,446–$11,430Best |
| Molina | $1,533Best | $1,533Best | $1,533Best | $4,831 | $4,831 | $4,831 | $4,831 | $4,831 |
| Oscar Health | $6,000Best | $6,226 | $6,830 | $8,766 | $8,766 | $8,766 | $8,766 | $8,766 |
| Cigna | $8,325 | $7,192Best | $7,285 | $11,502 | $11,502 | $11,502 | $11,502 | $11,502 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | — | — | — | $9,962Best | $9,962Best | $13,675 | $13,329 | $13,675 |
| Self-pay (uninsured) | $12,418Best | $12,418Best | $12,418Best | — | — | — | — | — |
| Humana | $2,709–$3,084Best | $12,667 | $7,052 | $14,540 | $14,540 | $14,540 | $19,994 | $14,540 |
| Aetna | $11,565Best | $14,452 | $14,732 | $15,456 | $13,982 | $15,456 | $13,982 | $15,456 |
| Multiplan | $34,927Best | $40,515 | $40,515 | — | — | — | — | — |
Source: Hospital price transparency files (federally required). Facility fees only.
Each hospital negotiates separate contracts with every insurer. For the same procedure, the rate can differ by 3–5x between hospital systems — larger systems have more leverage and command higher rates.
Facility fee only. The physician performing this procedure bills separately. Your out-of-pocket depends on your deductible and coinsurance. Federal law requires hospitals to provide a Good Faith Estimate before any non-emergency procedure.