A common epidural steroid injection at surgery center facility in U.S. includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Provider fee to inject anesthetic and/or steroid into spine nerve root
Single level
Standard
|
1 |
$158 |
Facility |
Surgery center fee to inject anesthetic and/or steroid into spine nerve root
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$513 |
Total average cash price |
|
A common epidural steroid injection at outpatient hospital facility in U.S. includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Provider fee to inject anesthetic and/or steroid into spine nerve root
Single level
Standard
|
1 |
$158 |
Facility |
Outpatient Hospital fee to inject anesthetic and/or steroid into spine nerve root
level 3
Standard
|
1 |
$1,016 |
Total average cash price |
|
An epidural steroid injection is a procedure that involves injecting anesthesia and a steroid medication into the epidural space. The epidural space is the outermost layer that covers the spinal cord. The spinal cord is contained within three layers, and between each layer is a small space. The epidural space contains fat, veins, arteries, spinal nerve roots, and lymphatics; this space helps protect the spinal cord.
During an epidural steroid injection, x-ray with a special dye is used to guide the needle into the epidural space closest to an area of pain. Medications that help with pain and inflammation are injected into the epidural space.
Epidural steroid injections can be given for painful conditions that affect the neck and back. These may include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Foraminal stenosis
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pinched nerves
Most of the time, epidural steroid injections are not painful. In general, the most uncomfortable part of the procedure is when your provider administers a local numbing shot. You will experience a burning, stinging sensation during the numbing shot. After the local anesthesia, you may feel pressure, but it should not be painful. If you feel pain, your provider can administer more local anesthesia.
Cortisone is a type of steroid and may be the medication that is injected during an epidural steroid injection. Cortisone shots can also be given like a regular “shot.” When given during an epidural, the cortisone goes right to the inflamed area of the spine that is causing problems. A regular shot has to be absorbed throughout your body and will have whole-body effects.
You will be able to lie on your back and walk after an epidural steroid injection. During the procedure, you’ll lie on an x-ray table, either face down or on your side. After the injection is given, you’ll be monitored for about 30 minutes before being released to recover at home. Your reflexes may be a little delayed the day of the injection, and you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
You may have an increase in pain levels for two to three days after an epidural steroid injection. This is because of irritation of the nerves in the area the steroid was injected. You should begin feeling pain relief within a few days of the epidural steroid injection.
Epidural steroid injection is generally a safe procedure with few side effects. Possible side effects that could occur include:
- Post injection pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Flushing of the face
- Sleeping problems
- Anxiety
- Water retention
Wait for about 24 hours after an epidural steroid injection before returning to your normal activity level. You’ll also be advised to avoid applying heat to the area of the injection for at least three days afterward. This includes hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas. Taking a shower is allowed.
About the epidural steroid injection Average Cash Prices
This procedure is most commonly performed at either a surgery center or an outpatient hospital.
Surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), are independent, licensed medical
facilities that are governed by distinct regulatory requirements compared with a hospital. Procedures
performed at an ASCs are often less expensive than when they are performed at an outpatient hospital,
but they typically offer fewer complimentary services, and may not have the full-range of support
services that a hospital provides.
Outpatient facilities are outpatient departments or clinics that may be within or next to a hospital,
but is owned and run by the affiliated hospital. These facilities can perform surgical treatments and
procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Procedures performed at an outpatient hospital are
often more expensive than when they are performed in an ambulatory surgery center, but outpatient
hospitals may offer more complimentary and support services for patients because they are connected to
the hospital system.
