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Kentucky

Cost of a Knee Arthroscopy Visit
in Kentucky

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Kentucky's expanded Medicaid program and competitive insurance market create relatively affordable access to orthopedic care across the Bluegrass State. Patients seeking Knee Arthroscopy services typically pay between $394 and $1,419, with a median cost of $717 based on negotiated rates from over 150 active providers throughout Kentucky. From Louisville's Norton Healthcare system to rural Appalachian clinics, Kentucky maintains strong orthopedic coverage, allowing patients to browse qualified Knee Arthroscopy specialists in both urban centers and smaller communities.

Average

$843

Median

$717

Lowest

$394

Highest

$1,419

Providers

153

National avg: $941Kentucky: $843

10% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee arthroscopy compare to related procedures in Kentucky?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$977$1,837$3,564148
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$386$1,784$3,244179
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$85$676$1,313184
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$90$837$1,539233
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$85$776$1,415246
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$85$995$2,038191
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$435$792$1,627149
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$85$357$679178
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$396$673$1,220146
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$85$737$1,529182
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$340$565$1,957145

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 29881Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 29881 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 29881 covers: the provider's professional fee for knee arthroscopy. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Top-Rated Hospitals in Kentucky

These hospitals in Kentucky are top-rated for patient satisfaction. Review data sourced from HCAHPS Patient Survey.

5/5
88% would recommend102 patient surveys
FLEMING COUNTY HOSPITAL

FLEMINGSBURG, KY

5/5
85% would recommend117 patient surveys
5/5
84% would recommend134 patient surveys
4/5
84% would recommend1,537 patient surveys
4/5
82% would recommend190 patient surveys

Hospital ratings are based on HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey data published by CMS.

Why Knee Arthroscopy Visit Costs Vary Across Kentucky

Kentucky's healthcare costs run approximately 5% below national averages, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and competitive insurance market. The mix of major health systems in Louisville and Lexington alongside independent practices throughout rural Kentucky creates diverse pricing structures for orthopedic services.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Louisville and Lexington concentrate most of Kentucky's orthopedic specialists, while rural Appalachian counties rely on traveling surgeons or telemedicine consultations. This geographic disparity can mean rural patients pay higher travel costs but sometimes access lower base procedure fees. Eastern Kentucky particularly faces provider shortages that can affect both access and pricing.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-owned orthopedic practices affiliated with Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, and UK HealthCare typically charge higher facility fees than independent surgical centers. Ambulatory surgery centers throughout Kentucky offer competitive pricing for arthroscopic procedures, often 30-50% less expensive than hospital outpatient departments. Independent orthopedic practices frequently provide more flexible pricing and payment options.

Insurance Market Competition in Kentucky

Anthem, UHC, and Humana maintain strong competition in Kentucky's insurance market, leading to well-negotiated rates for orthopedic procedures. The state's moderate market concentration prevents any single insurer from dominating pricing, benefiting consumers through competitive rates. Regional insurers and self-funded employer plans add additional competitive pressure on major carriers.

Physician Supply and Demand in Kentucky

With over 150 active Knee Arthroscopy providers, Kentucky maintains adequate orthopedic coverage relative to its population, though distribution favors urban areas. This reasonable supply helps control pricing and reduces wait times for non-urgent procedures in major metropolitan areas. Rural regions still experience occasional shortages that can extend scheduling timelines and affect local pricing dynamics.

JP

Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Knee Arthroscopy Costs in Kentucky

What is the average cost of a Knee Arthroscopy visit in Kentucky without insurance?

Uninsured patients in Kentucky typically pay between $394 and $1,419 for Knee Arthroscopy procedures, with a median cost of $717 based on negotiated insurance rates. Many providers offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% when payment is arranged upfront, potentially reducing these costs significantly. Cash-pay patients should always ask about surgical packages that bundle the procedure, anesthesia, and follow-up visits for a single negotiated rate.

Does Kentucky Medicaid cover Knee Arthroscopy visits?

Kentucky's expanded Medicaid program covers medically necessary Knee Arthroscopy procedures, though prior authorization may be required depending on the specific circumstances. Coverage includes both the surgical consultation and the arthroscopic procedure when conservative treatments have been attempted first. Medicaid managed care plans may have specific network requirements, so patients should verify their surgeon participates in their specific plan before scheduling.

How do I find an affordable Knee Arthroscopy near me in Kentucky?

Compare costs between hospital-based orthopedic clinics and independent ambulatory surgery centers, as the latter often charge 30-50% less for the same procedures. Ask about self-pay discounts, payment plans, and surgical packages that bundle all related costs. Community health centers and practices affiliated with teaching hospitals sometimes offer sliding fee scales based on income.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Initial Knee Arthroscopy consultations typically involve comprehensive evaluations and may include imaging review, while follow-up visits focus on recovery monitoring and are generally less expensive. New patient visits often cost $150-300 more than established patient visits due to the extensive history-taking and examination required. Most insurance plans have the same specialist copay for both new and established patient visits, though the underlying facility charges may vary.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Knee Arthroscopy visit in Kentucky?

Both HSA and FSA funds can be used for Knee Arthroscopy consultations and procedures as they qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines. This includes the surgeon consultation fee, diagnostic imaging, the arthroscopic procedure itself, and related follow-up care. Keep all receipts and documentation as some employers may require additional verification for higher-cost procedures.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Knee Arthroscopy in Kentucky?

Telemedicine consultations for initial evaluations or follow-up visits typically cost 20-40% less than in-person appointments, though physical examination is usually required before any surgical procedures. Many Kentucky orthopedic practices now offer virtual consultations for second opinions or post-operative follow-ups, which can reduce travel costs for rural patients. Insurance coverage for telehealth visits varies, with some plans offering lower copays for virtual consultations.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$357
$2,976

Office visit (CPT 29881)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1California
Range: $80$8,767
$2,976
2Wisconsin
Range: $73$4,236
$1,989
3Idaho
Range: $80$4,173
$1,697
4Rhode Island
Range: $452$2,410
$1,253
5Massachusetts
Range: $438$2,410
$1,247
6Minnesota
Range: $338$2,258
$1,163
7Connecticut
Range: $366$2,410
$1,161
8Delaware
Range: $412$2,410
$1,154
9Pennsylvania
Range: $366$2,410
$1,133
10Wyoming
Range: $648$1,845
$1,133
11New York
Range: $384$2,410
$1,111
12Georgia
Range: $450$2,024
$1,109
13Iowa
Range: $452$1,680
$1,102
14New Hampshire
Range: $573$1,631
$1,073
15Nebraska
Range: $655$1,294
$1,041
16West Virginia
Range: $482$1,901
$1,025
17South Dakota
Range: $387$1,811
$991
18District of Columbia
Range: $443$1,591
$987
19New Jersey
Range: $412$1,845
$945
20Maine
Range: $634$1,087
$925
21North Carolina
Range: $450$1,504
$916
22North Dakota
Range: $331$1,591
$891
23Illinois
Range: $90$1,895
$880
24Maryland
Range: $485$1,591
$878
25New Mexico
Range: $487$1,281
$869
26Colorado
Range: $452$1,326
$861
27Utah
Range: $80$1,294
$844
28Kentucky
Range: $394$1,419
$843
29Michigan
Range: $452$1,294
$833
30Oregon
Range: $80$1,591
$811
31Indiana
Range: $90$1,642
$798
32Vermont
Range: $410$1,326
$788
33Washington
Range: $80$1,475
$773
34Texas
Range: $421$1,250
$765
35South Carolina
Range: $422$1,266
$765
36Mississippi
Range: $424$1,330
$761
37Arkansas
Range: $479$1,034
$755
38Tennessee
Range: $466$1,057
$738
39Alabama
Range: $382$1,165
$722
40Missouri
Range: $507$892
$720
41Virginia
Range: $389$1,182
$719
42Nevada
Range: $452$1,051
$717
43Hawaii
Range: $80$1,287
$706
44Louisiana
Range: $394$1,089
$693
45Oklahoma
Range: $442$1,009
$671
46Kansas
Range: $507$860
$668
47Ohio
Range: $338$983
$635
48Arizona
Range: $452$907
$604
49Alaska
Range: $80$1,127
$429
50Montana
Range: $80$985
$382
51Florida
Range: $35$980
$357
Knee Arthroscopy in Other States