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Missouri

Cost of a Knee Arthroscopy Visit
in Missouri

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Missouri's healthcare costs run approximately 5% below the national average, making it an attractive state for orthopedic procedures including knee arthroscopy. Patients seeking Knee Arthroscopy in Missouri typically pay between $506.70 and $892.39, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $760.72 across 5,187 active providers statewide. Missouri's robust network of orthopedic specialists spans from Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas to rural communities, giving patients multiple options to browse all providers throughout the state.

Average

$720

Median

$761

Lowest

$507

Highest

$892

Providers

5,187

National avg: $941Missouri: $720

24% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee arthroscopy compare to related procedures in Missouri?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$1,272$1,915$2,2465,186
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$1,274$1,917$2,2495,286
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$502$728$8115,258
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$623$1,127$1,3005,243
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$551$966$1,1855,445
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$822$1,163$1,3755,264
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$573$821$9545,176
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$268$480$5595,242
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$493$892$1,0275,182
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$516$824$9465,250
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$402$614$7265,183

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 Missouri

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

5/5
83% would recommend101 patient surveys
5/5
82% would recommend145 patient surveys
5/5
81% would recommend153 patient surveys
5/5
74% would recommend127 patient surveys
HEDRICK MEDICAL CENTER

CHILLICOTHE, MO

5/5
70% would recommend106 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 Missouri

Missouri's healthcare costs run approximately 5% below the national average, reflecting the state's moderate cost of living and competitive provider market across both urban and rural regions. The state's central location and absence of extreme geographic barriers help maintain reasonable pricing compared to coastal markets.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Missouri's population concentration in Kansas City and St. Louis creates abundant specialist options in these metros, while rural counties often have limited orthopedic surgery access. Patients in areas like the Missouri Bootheel or northern rural counties may need to travel 1-2 hours for arthroscopic procedures, though this can sometimes result in lower facility costs. The state's network of regional medical centers helps bridge this gap, with cities like Columbia, Springfield, and Cape Girardeau serving surrounding rural areas.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Missouri's major health systems like BJC HealthCare, Mercy, and Saint Luke's operate numerous hospital-based outpatient surgery centers that typically charge higher facility fees than independent ambulatory centers. Many orthopedic surgeons in Missouri maintain privileges at both types of facilities, allowing cost-conscious patients to choose lower-cost venues for routine arthroscopic procedures. Independent surgery centers often offer more transparent pricing and faster scheduling than hospital-based competitors.

Insurance Market Competition in Missouri

With Anthem, UHC, and Cigna as primary players, Missouri maintains moderate insurer competition that helps control negotiated rates for orthopedic procedures. The state's insurance market serves both individual and employer-sponsored plans, with regional insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City providing additional options in specific geographic areas. This competition typically results in more favorable provider networks and pricing compared to states with single-payer dominance.

Physician Supply and Demand in Missouri

Missouri's 5,187 active providers offering knee arthroscopy indicates robust specialist availability relative to the state's population, helping maintain competitive pricing and reasonable wait times. The state's two medical schools and established residency programs contribute to steady physician supply, particularly in metropolitan areas. This adequate supply prevents the pricing premiums seen in physician-shortage states, though rural areas still experience some access 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 Missouri

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

Uninsured patients in Missouri typically pay between $506.70 and $892.39 for knee arthroscopy, with a median cost of $760.72 based on negotiated insurance rates. Many providers offer self-pay discounts of 10-30% when payment is made upfront, potentially reducing costs below these ranges. The final price depends on the complexity of your procedure and whether it's performed at a hospital outpatient center or independent surgery facility.

Does Missouri Medicaid cover Knee Arthroscopy visits?

Missouri Medicaid covers medically necessary knee arthroscopy procedures, though the state's decision not to expand Medicaid means fewer adults qualify for coverage compared to expansion states. Traditional Medicaid recipients must obtain prior authorization and referrals for specialist procedures, and provider participation can be limited in rural areas. Patients should verify both surgeon and facility participation in Medicaid before scheduling procedures.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based outpatient centers and independent ambulatory surgery facilities, as the latter often charge significantly less for routine procedures. Many Missouri providers offer cash-pay discounts for uninsured patients, and some accept payment plans to spread costs over time. Community health centers in larger cities may also provide referrals to lower-cost orthopedic specialists.

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

Initial consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits due to the comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning required. New patient visits often involve detailed history-taking, physical examination, and review of imaging studies, while established patient visits focus on treatment progress and adjustments. Most insurance plans have the same specialist copay for both types of visits, though the facility may bill different amounts to your insurer.

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

Yes, both HSA and FSA funds can pay for medically necessary knee arthroscopy procedures and related consultations, as these qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines. You can also use these accounts for related costs like prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical transportation. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes, as the IRS may require proof that expenses were medically necessary.

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

While knee arthroscopy requires in-person examination and procedures, initial consultations or follow-up visits may be conducted via telemedicine at reduced costs. Many Missouri insurers cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person consultations, though some charge lower copays for virtual appointments. Telemedicine can be particularly valuable for rural Missouri patients who would otherwise travel long distances for routine follow-up visits.

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