How Much Does Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Cost?
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a procedure where a patient's own cartilage cells are harvested, grown in a lab, and then implanted into a damaged area of the knee joint. This technique aims to repair cartilage defects and restore smooth joint function, often used for…
Step 1 · The average price
Average hospital price
$13,573
Based on 100 hospitals across 63 cities
💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $1,502 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.
Step 2 · Your city
What does Knee Chondrocyte Implant cost where you live?
Prices vary by location. Pick your city to see local hospital prices.
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Prices from the Hospital Price Transparency Act. Median = middle price across insurers at that hospital.
Common Questions
How much does Knee Chondrocyte Implant cost?
The average Average hospital price for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee is $13,573. Across 100 hospitals, prices range from $2,291 to $48,253.
Does Medicare cover Knee Chondrocyte Implant?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $1,502 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$300).
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.
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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