How Much Does a Cortisone Shot Cost Without Insurance?
A Cortisone shot without insurance ranges between $100 to $300 depending on the type. This is the price range per steroid injection. Many additional fees may be associated with your steroid injection, so it is essential to speak to your healthcare professional to understand the total cost before receiving the procedure.
Kendra Bean
Kendra Bean is from Maui, Hawaiʻi. She is currently enrolled at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in Epidemiology. She is passionate about improving health literacy and access to care, specifically in rural areas.
A Cortisone shot without insurance ranges between $100 to $300 depending on the type. This is the price range per steroid injection. Many additional fees may be associated with your steroid injection, so it is essential to speak to your healthcare professional to understand the total cost before receiving the procedure.
3 Locations for Cortisone Injection
Several different types of cortisone shots can be used to treat a variety of conditions. The most common types of cortisone shots include intra-articular injections, epidural injections, and soft tissue injections.
Intra-articular injections are used to treat joint pain and inflammation, such as in the knee, shoulder, or hip. The cortisone is injected directly into the affected joint to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Epidural injections are used to treat back and neck pain, as well as pain radiating down the legs or arms. The cortisone is injected into the space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Soft tissue injections are used to treat conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis. The cortisone is injected directly into the affected soft tissue to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Average Cost
Type of Cortisone
Average Cost
Triamcinolone acetonide
$100-$200
Methylprednisolone acetate
$150-$250
Hydrocortisone
$50-$150
Dexamethasone
$75-$150
Betamethasone
$100-$200
1. Triamcinolone acetonide: This corticosteroid medication is commonly used in cortisone shots to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in various conditions, including arthritis, joint pain, and allergic reactions. Triamcinolone acetonide works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances in the body, thereby reducing swelling, pain, and other symptoms associated with inflammation.
2. Methylprednisolone acetate: Methylprednisolone acetate is another corticosteroid used in cortisone shots to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. It works by suppressing the immune system and decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, leading to reduced swelling and pain in the affected area.
3. Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication frequently used in cortisone shots to treat conditions such as arthritis, allergic reactions, and certain types of cancer. It functions by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, thereby providing relief from symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness.
4. Betamethasone: Betamethasone, another corticosteroid, is often used in cortisone shots to address inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. Similar to other corticosteroids, betamethasone works by decreasing inflammation and modifying the immune response, leading to a reduction in symptoms.
5. Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that is used in cortisone shots for conditions such as allergic reactions, skin conditions, and certain joint issues. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching when injected into the affected area, providing relief from symptoms of various skin and joint conditions.
Factors that Affect the Cost of the Cortisone Injection
The cost of a cortisone shot varies depending on your insurance status, the facility performing the injection, and the part of the body receiving the injection.
Office Visit & Facility Fees
If you decide to seek out a cortisone injection, the first cost you will face will likely be the cost of your visit to the doctor. An office visit generally costs between $50 and $200. Of course, these prices depend on the specific clinic, geographic region, and insurance policy.
Urgent care may be viable if you need care after hours, on the weekends, or can not get an appointment with a doctor in a timely manner. The cost of urgent care without insurance ranges from $80 to $280 for simple procedures, such as a steroid injection.
Additionally, an x-ray or other imaging may sometimes be required before receiving a cortisone shot, adding additional expense. Imaging can be used to guide the health care professional during the procedure. The cost of an x-ray without insurance at urgent care generally costs between $120 and $325. Whether or not imaging technology is used depends upon your doctorʻs preference, anatomy, and injection site.
Insurance Status
Your insurance status will be the most significant factor in a cortisone shot's cost. If uninsured, you will pay a flat fee for the office or urgent care visit and the cortisone shot. If you are insured, you will pay only the copay cost when visiting your doctor. Again, this ranges between $10 and $50, depending on your insurance policy. Your insurance policy usually covers injections if they are deemed "medically necessary."
CostHelper notes that there may be restrictions, "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi stipulates that if there is no documented pain relief after two injections, no further injection will be considered medically necessary." This highlights the importance of understanding and discussing coverage options with your insurance agent.
How Mira Can Help
Mira offers coverage to make urgent care visits what they should be, affordable! Mira may be an excellent option for a more affordable way to get x-rays and other services at urgent care. With a Mira membership, you can access low-cost care at over 1,000 walk-in clinics, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions, all for an average of $45 per month.
Cortisone Shot
Cortisone shots, or cortisone injections, can be effective at relieving pain and inflammation in specific areas of your body. The steroid shot contains a corticosteroid medication, a powerful steroid, and a local anesthetic. Most commonly, the shot is received to help relieve pain and inflammation for a variety of conditions. Cortisone shots can be used for joint and muscle conditions as well as immune-related diseases.
You will most likely receive a cortisol injection in a doctorʻs office. However, the steroid shot can also be administered in a hospital or urgent care. Depending on where you will receive your injection, you may be asked to change into a gown. The rest of the procedure will most likely go as follows:
The injection site will be cleaned
Your doctor may apply an anesthetic spray to numb the area
The needle will be inserted into the injection site and the medication will be released
Following the steroid injection, you may experience a bit of pain and redness near the injection site. Additionally, you should consider:
Protecting the injection area for a day or two
Apply ice to the injection site as needed to relieve pain
Not use a bathtub, hot tub or whirlpool for two days
Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness and swelling that last more than 48 hours
Alternatives
There are several alternatives to cortisone shots for the treatment of various conditions, particularly for those seeking non-invasive or non-steroidal options. Some alternatives include:
1. Physical Therapy: For musculoskeletal conditions, physical therapy can be an effective alternative to cortisone shots. It focuses on exercises, manual therapy, and other non-pharmacological treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility.
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. They can be taken orally or applied topically for localized relief.
3. Acupuncture: This alternative medicine technique involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help reduce pain and inflammation. Many individuals find relief from musculoskeletal issues through acupuncture treatments.
4. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations can help relieve pain and improve mobility in conditions like back pain, neck pain, and joint issues.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This emerging treatment involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient's own platelets into the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
6. Stem Cell Therapy: In some cases, stem cell injections may be used to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in musculoskeletal conditions.
7. Heat and Cold Therapy: Alternating between heat and cold treatments can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Consider this additional information regarding the cost of a cortisone shot.
Why Would I Need A Cortisone Shot?
There are a variety of reasons why you may be recommended to receive a cortisone injection; many of these were included earlier in this article. Another reason some receive cortisone injections is for acne, particularly larger acne cysts. Cortisone shots can help shrink the swollen cyst wall and reduce the redness, swelling, and pain of severe inflammatory acne breakouts.
Can I Administer a Cortisone Shot To Myself?
Cortisone shots are usually always administered by trained medical professionals. A cortisone injection is a fairly common medical treatment. Just about any healthcare provider trained in the procedure can give one as part of a routine office visit. This would include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and many others.
When Does A Cortisone Shot Start Working?
You can expect to feel the effects of your cortisone shot within a week of receiving the injection. This will, of course, vary from person to person as well as where the injection site was located. The shotʻs effects usually last a few weeks to a few months.
Are There Any Side Effects To The Cortisone Shot?
With cortisone shots come potential side effects. The most common is pain around the injection site. Other potential side effects include:
Cartilage damage
Joint infection
Carpal Tunnel
Nerve damage
Temporary increase in blood sugar
Tendon weakening or rupture
*The risks of side effects do increase with larger and repeated doses. For this reason, it is recommended not to get cortisone injections more often than every six weeks.
Bottom Line
Without insurance, a cortisone shot can cost between $25 and $300. The price will vary based on the facility you received the cortisone shot and the injection site on your body. Sometimes, you may need an x-ray or ultrasound to guide the procedure better. A cortisone injection can be extremely helpful in relieving pain and inflammation for a variety of conditions.
