How Much Does Epidural Steroid Injection Cost?

Last Updated on June 19, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Epidural steroid injections are a commonly used minimally invasive treatment for managing chronic back, neck, and nerve pain. But like most medical procedures, they come at a cost that must be budgeted for. So what is the typical price range for epidural injections?

Many patients undergo a series of 3-6 injections for sustained pain relief, so the cumulative costs add up quickly.

Let’s get into the specifics around epidural injection costs so you can make informed medical and financial decisions.

How Much Does Epidural Steroid Injection Cost?

On average, epidural steroid injections cost from $300 to $800+ per injection depending on the provider, facility fees, medications used, and insurance coverage specifics.

Like most medical treatments, several component costs add up to the total:

• Facility or hospital fees – $100 to $500 per injection depending on location
• Physician fees – Around $200 to $400 charged by the administering doctor
• Anesthesia fees – $100 to $200 additional if anesthesia is provided
• Imaging guidance – $50 to $300 per injection based on basic x-ray versus advanced ultrasound
• Steroid injections – $100 to $200+ per injection depending on type
• Other supplies – $50 to $200 for needles, drapes, monitoring, medications, etc.

All costs considered, total pricing ranges from $300 up to $1000+ per injection, with most averaging $500 to $800 per session.

MDsave reports that the cost of an epidural steroid injection can vary significantly depending on the location and insurance coverage. According to their website, the average cost of an epidural steroid injection is around $1,027.

 Sidecar Health provides a detailed breakdown of the average cash prices for epidural steroid injections, ranging from $671 to $1,174. They highlight that these prices are based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same.

Express Legal Funding mentions that the average cost for a single epidural steroid injection without insurance is about $1,000.00 or more in 2024. They highlight that the cost can vary based on several factors specific to the injury type, location, and medical background.

NTTC Surgery Center offers a cash price of $1,265 for an epidural steroid injection, which includes physician fees, facility fees, and anesthesia. They point out that this price is for patients without insurance or with high deductibles.

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections involve:

• Injecting steroid medication and local anesthetic into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerves.
• Administered via an injection into the low back or neck regions guided by x-ray or ultrasound imaging.
• Used to treat chronic neck and back pain from conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.
• Reduces inflammation allowing healing and natural pain relief.
• Provides temporary but significant pain relief lasting a few months at a time.
• Given as a series of injections over several weeks or months for sustained benefits.

Factors That Influence Costs

Several factors affect the total price charged for epidural steroid injections:

• Where the procedure is performed – hospital facilities are most expensive, free-standing surgicenters and clinics have lower overhead.
• Which physician or pain specialist administers it – physiatrist, anesthesiologist, orthopedic doctor, etc.
• Geographic location – urban hospital centers charge more than rural facilities.
• Types of imaging guidance used – ultrasound vs fluoroscopy x-ray vs CT scan.
• Number of injections per series – single session vs three over several weeks.
• Medications utilized – generic vs costly name-brand options.
• Insurance coverage details – out-of-pocket responsibility depends on the plan.

You might also like our articles about the cost of anesthesia, insulin pumps, or Dexc0m CGM.

So, prices can vary significantly depending on case specifics. Discuss costs with your provider.

Epidural Steroid Injection Costs With Insurance

The good news is most major private insurers and government plans provide at least some coverage:

• Medicare – covers 80% of costs for medically necessary injections.
• Medicaid – Varies by state but often partially covered.
• Private insurance – Most plans cover 60% to 90% of charges, less deductibles.
• Uninsured out-of-pocket – Typically $800 to $2,000+ per injection.

Confirm your policy’s benefits, preauthorization protocols, and projected out-of-pocket fees to avoid surprise bills.

Lower Epidural Injection Costs

Here are some strategies to minimize your expenses:

• Have the procedure performed at an outpatient center or independent clinic rather than hospital if appropriate.
• Use a physician assistant to administer injections when permitted rather than a high-cost neurosurgeon or orthopedic doctor.
• Opt for ultrasound guidance instead of expensive MRI or CT imaging when adequate.
• Explore discount medical payment programs like SingleCare that provide access to reduced medication and supply pricing.
• Submit paperwork promptly and carefully to the provider and insurance company to ensure proper claim processing.
• Inquire about cash pricing or payment plans if paying out-of-pocket without insurance.

Saving money allows you to invest more into physical therapy, medications, braces, and other aspects of your pain management plan.

Epidural Injections vs Other Options

Other common spine pain treatments have the following cost considerations in comparison:

• Physical therapy – Much lower per-visit cost of $100 to $200 but requires frequent copays over months.
• Surgery – Higher one-time expense of $15,000+ but may permanently resolve severe cases.
• Prescription medications – Ongoing monthly costs of $200+ for NSAIDs, muscle relaxers that must be taken long-term.

For moderate spinal conditions, targeted epidural steroid injections often provide a cost-effective middle ground between conservative care and surgery.

Final Words

While expensive, epidural steroid injections offer an evidence-based option for treating chronic neck and back pain without major surgery. Typical per injection costs range $300 to $800+ with multiple sessions generally needed for the best results.

But with insurance coverage, smart shopping, and payment plans, this care remains accessible for the majority of patients. Weigh the potential pain relief benefits against the out-of-pocket investment as you make informed decisions..

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can you get epidural injections?

Most doctors recommend limiting epidural steroid injections to 3-4 times per 12-month period maximum for safety and efficacy. Getting injections more frequently than every 2-3 months provides little added pain relief benefit in most cases and may increase health risks if steroids accumulate.

Do you need to fast for an epidural injection?

No, fasting is not required when preparing for epidural steroid injection procedures. Since intravenous sedation is not used, it is generally safe to eat a light meal a few hours prior. However, discuss food restrictions if you have diabetes or take blood thinning medications.

What percentage of patients get relief from epidural injections?

Research indicates approximately 60-80% of patients with spine conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis report meaningful pain relief from epidural steroid injections, though the benefits are often temporary lasting a few months. Only 20-30% achieve significant long-term improvement from a single injection series. Multiple rounds combined with physical therapy tend to be most effective.