How Much Does Knee Arthroscopy for Loose Body Removal and Chondroplasty Cost?
This procedure involves arthroscopic surgery of the knee to remove loose bodies or foreign objects and to perform chondroplasty (shaving or debridement of articular cartilage). It is typically performed in a different compartment of the knee during another arthroscopic surgery.
Step 1 · The average price
Median hospital price
$368
Based on 188 hospitals
💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $73 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.
Common Questions
How much does Knee Arthroscopy (Loose Body) cost?
The average Median hospital price for Knee Arthroscopy for Loose Body Removal and Chondroplasty is $368.
Does Medicare cover Knee Arthroscopy (Loose Body)?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $73 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$15).
How much does it cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients often face the chargemaster rate (3-10x higher than cash price). Always ask the hospital for their self-pay or cash-pay rate — often 40-80% off the list price.
Why is the price so different between hospitals?
Hospital prices for the same procedure vary by insurance contract, facility overhead, and regional cost of living. In some cities, the highest-priced hospital charges 3-5× what the lowest-priced hospital charges for the same service.
Why does Knee Arthroscopy (Loose Body) cost so much more in some cities than others?
Most of the difference is hospital pricing, not the medicine — the procedure is essentially the same everywhere. Hospitals set their own prices with no national standard, so charges swing 3-4× based on local wages, rent, and malpractice costs, how much competition there is between hospitals, and regional insurer contracts. Because it's pricing power rather than quality, comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate can save a lot.
What should I ask before scheduling?
Ask for the total estimated bill (including facility + anesthesia + supplies), whether the service is covered by your insurance, if the procedure can be done at an ambulatory surgery center (typically 30-60% cheaper), and what the cash-pay rate is.
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