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New Mexico

Cost of a Knee Arthroscopy Visit
in New Mexico

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

New Mexico's healthcare system serves a geographically diverse population with significant rural challenges, where specialty care access varies dramatically across the state's 121,000 square miles. Knee Arthroscopy visits in New Mexico typically cost between $487 and $1,281, with a median rate of $840 based on negotiated insurance rates from over 1,100 active providers. Patients across the Land of Enchantment can browse all available Knee Arthroscopy specialists to find quality care that fits their budget and location.

Average

$869

Median

$840

Lowest

$487

Highest

$1,281

Providers

1,185

National avg: $941New Mexico: $869

8% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee arthroscopy compare to related procedures in New Mexico?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$1,216$2,132$3,6061,195
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$1,203$2,095$3,3771,197
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$474$921$1,5511,206
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$589$1,036$1,6281,248
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$507$884$1,4081,265
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$752$1,446$2,4531,205
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$566$927$1,4941,188
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$253$430$6941,200
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$465$770$1,2261,171
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$560$940$1,5251,198
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$385$634$1,0311,183

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 New Mexico

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

4/5
86% would recommend414 patient surveys
4/5
75% would recommend388 patient surveys
4/5
72% would recommend203 patient surveys
4/5
62% would recommend135 patient surveys
3/5
76% would recommend296 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 New Mexico

New Mexico's healthcare costs run approximately 3% below the national average, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and rural geography. The Land of Enchantment's unique mix of urban medical centers and vast rural areas creates distinct cost patterns for specialty care like orthopedic surgery.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Albuquerque and Santa Fe concentrate most of New Mexico's orthopedic specialists, while rural areas like the Four Corners region or southeastern plains may have limited local options. Patients in remote areas often travel to larger cities for knee arthroscopy, potentially adding travel costs but accessing more competitive pricing. The state's geography means some communities rely on visiting specialists or telemedicine consultations.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital systems like Presbyterian Healthcare Services and UNM Health dominate New Mexico's major markets, with their outpatient orthopedic clinics often charging facility fees alongside physician charges. Independent orthopedic practices, more common in smaller cities, typically have lower overhead costs but may lack some advanced imaging or surgical capabilities. The choice between hospital-affiliated and independent providers can significantly impact your total costs.

Insurance Market Competition in New Mexico

New Mexico's insurance market features moderate competition with BCBS New Mexico holding significant market share alongside UnitedHealthcare and Molina Healthcare. This concentration means fewer plan options but often more stable provider networks and negotiated rates. The state's Medicaid expansion has increased coverage options, though rural areas still face challenges with specialist network adequacy.

Physician Supply and Demand in New Mexico

With over 1,100 providers offering knee arthroscopy services, New Mexico shows reasonable specialist availability relative to its population of 2.1 million residents. However, geographic distribution remains uneven, with orthopedic surgeons concentrated in urban areas while rural regions experience shortages. This supply-demand imbalance can affect both pricing and wait times, with rural patients often facing longer delays or higher costs due to limited local options.

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 New Mexico

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

Uninsured patients in New Mexico typically pay between $487 and $1,281 for a knee arthroscopy consultation, with a median cost of $840 based on negotiated insurance rates. Many orthopedic practices offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% for patients who pay at the time of service. Community health centers and some independent practices may offer sliding-scale fees based on income to make care more affordable.

Does New Mexico Medicaid cover Knee Arthroscopy visits?

Yes, New Mexico expanded Medicaid covers medically necessary knee arthroscopy consultations for adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Coverage typically includes both the initial consultation and any required imaging or procedures, though prior authorization may be required for certain treatments. Patients should verify that their chosen orthopedic surgeon accepts Medicaid before scheduling.

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

Compare costs between hospital-affiliated orthopedic clinics and independent practices, as facility fees can significantly impact total costs. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider community health centers which may offer sliding-scale fees. Rural patients might find it cost-effective to travel to Albuquerque or Santa Fe where more providers create competitive pricing.

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

Initial knee arthroscopy consultations typically cost between $487-$1,281 based on the complexity of your condition and time required for evaluation. Follow-up visits generally cost 30-50% less than initial consultations since they require less time and documentation. The specific cost difference depends on whether you need additional imaging or procedures during follow-up appointments.

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

Yes, knee arthroscopy consultations qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. You can use these tax-advantaged funds to pay for the consultation, any required imaging, co-pays, and deductibles. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes, and remember that HSA funds roll over annually while FSA funds typically must be used within the plan year.

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

Telemedicine consultations for knee issues typically cost 20-40% less than in-person visits and can be particularly valuable for New Mexico patients in rural areas. However, most knee problems requiring arthroscopic evaluation need physical examination and imaging that can't be completed remotely. Some orthopedic surgeons offer virtual follow-up visits after initial in-person consultations, which can reduce travel costs for rural patients.

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