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Maine

Cost of a Knee Arthroscopy Visit
in Maine

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Maine's aging population and high rates of outdoor recreation contribute to significant demand for orthopedic specialists across the state's rural and coastal communities. Knee Arthroscopy patients in Maine typically pay between $634 and $1,087 for procedures, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $1,054 based on negotiated insurance rates. With over 1,500 active Knee Arthroscopy providers serving Maine residents, patients can browse all available specialists throughout the state to find quality care that fits their budget.

Average

$925

Median

$1,054

Lowest

$634

Highest

$1,087

Providers

1,528

National avg: $941Maine: $925

2% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee arthroscopy compare to related procedures in Maine?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$1,713$2,488$2,6891,522
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$1,585$2,491$2,6391,529
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$643$1,068$1,1231,524
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$746$1,250$1,2861,541
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$682$1,144$1,1771,551
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$1,043$1,716$1,7761,529
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$811$1,310$1,3461,526
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$342$573$5781,524
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$630$998$1,0221,521
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$749$1,255$1,2741,523
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$519$850$8881,519

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 Maine

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

5/5
83% would recommend423 patient surveys
5/5
71% would recommend114 patient surveys
4/5
85% would recommend1,053 patient surveys
4/5
85% would recommend649 patient surveys
4/5
84% would recommend120 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 Maine

Maine's healthcare costs run approximately 12% above national averages, driven by the state's rural geography, aging population, and limited provider competition in specialized services. The state's rugged terrain and dispersed communities create unique access challenges that influence both pricing and availability of orthopedic care.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Greater Portland concentrates most of Maine's orthopedic specialists, creating cost premiums for urban patients while forcing rural residents to travel significant distances for care. Northern and eastern Maine counties often have limited local options, requiring patients to drive 1-2 hours for arthroscopic procedures. This geographic concentration allows urban providers to maintain higher rates while rural areas may offer competitive pricing to attract patients from wider service areas.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Health systems dominate the state's hospital-based orthopedic services, typically charging facility fees 30-50% higher than independent surgical centers. Coastal communities often see elevated overhead costs due to seasonal population fluctuations and premium real estate values affecting medical office rents. Independent arthroscopy centers in mid-sized cities like Bangor and Auburn often provide cost-effective alternatives to hospital-based procedures.

Insurance Market Competition in Maine

With Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim, and UHC controlling most of the market, limited insurer competition can result in higher negotiated rates for specialized procedures. The state's small population base gives insurers significant leverage in provider negotiations, though this can work both for and against patient costs depending on market dynamics. Maine's lack of a robust health insurance marketplace limits consumer options compared to more populated states.

Physician Supply and Demand in Maine

Over 1,500 active Knee Arthroscopy providers serve Maine's population of 1.4 million, indicating relatively good access compared to national averages for orthopedic specialists. This adequate supply helps moderate pricing pressure, though geographic concentration in southern Maine creates access disparities for northern residents. The state's appeal to outdoor recreation enthusiasts helps attract and retain orthopedic specialists, maintaining competitive provider availability despite rural challenges.

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 Maine

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

Uninsured patients in Maine typically pay $634 to $1,087 for knee arthroscopy procedures, with a median cost of $1,054 based on negotiated insurance rates. Self-pay patients often qualify for discounts of 20-40% when paying upfront, potentially reducing costs to $500-850. Many providers offer payment plans to help spread these costs over several months without interest charges.

Does Maine Medicaid cover Knee Arthroscopy visits?

Yes, Maine Medicaid covers medically necessary knee arthroscopy procedures following the state's expansion in 2019. Prior authorization is typically required, and patients must usually demonstrate failed conservative treatments like physical therapy before surgical approval. MaineCare covers both the surgeon fees and facility costs when performed at approved providers, with minimal copays for eligible patients.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based surgical centers and independent outpatient facilities, as prices can vary by $400 or more for the same procedure. Ask about self-pay discounts if uninsured, and consider community health centers in Lewiston, Bangor, or Calais that may offer sliding-scale fees. Rural providers sometimes offer competitive pricing to attract patients from wider geographic areas, potentially offsetting travel costs.

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

Initial knee arthroscopy consultations typically cost $634-1,087 based on complexity and time required for examination and imaging review. Follow-up visits generally run $200-400 less than initial consultations, as they require less time for assessment and treatment planning. Post-operative follow-up visits may be included in global surgical packages, reducing additional out-of-pocket costs for patients.

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

Yes, both HSA and FSA funds can be used for knee arthroscopy consultations, procedures, and related medical expenses as qualified medical expenses. This includes surgeon fees, facility costs, pre-operative imaging, and post-operative physical therapy when prescribed by your orthopedic specialist. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes, as these accounts offer significant tax advantages for medical expenses.

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

Telemedicine consultations for knee problems typically cost $150-300, significantly less than in-person visits, though physical examination limitations mean most cases require eventual in-person evaluation. Maine's rural geography makes telehealth particularly valuable for initial consultations and post-operative follow-ups, reducing travel time and costs for patients in remote areas. Many insurers cover telemedicine visits at the same rate as in-person consultations, making them cost-neutral while improving access.

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