How much does a cortisone shot cost?
How much does a cortisone shot cost?
$100 – $500+ cost per shot (without insurance)
$20 – $50 cost per shot (with insurance)
Average cortisone injection cost
A cortisone injection costs $20 to $50 per shot with insurance or $100 to $500+ per shot without insurance. The cost of cortisone injections depends on your insurance plan and whether you get the shot at a doctor's office, urgent care center, or hospital. Cortisone commonly helps relieve back, hip, or knee pain as well as cystic acne.
| Coverage type | Average cost per shot |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $100 – $500+ |
| With insurance | $20 – $50 |
What is a cortisone shot?
Cortisone shots are injections that deliver a steroid to help treat inflammation and pain in joints, muscles, and tissue. Patients often use cortisone injections along with other treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments to help manage conditions such as:
Arthritis
Back pain
Bursitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cystic acne
Frozen shoulder
Gout
Osteoporosis
Tendinitis
Tennis elbow
Trigger finger
Cortisone is an artificial version of the hormone cortisol, which your adrenal glands naturally produce to regulate your immune system and control inflammatory hormones.
Cortisone injection cost factors
The following factors impact the cost of a cortisone injection:
Injection type: Cortisone shots typically cost more when delivered via an epidural for lower back pain than shots for acne or joint pain.
Insurance coverage: If your insurance covers the cortisone shot, your out-of-pocket costs will be lower. Check your plan for more details about the coverage, deductible, and co-pay.
Consultation fee: Some clinics and doctors charge a separate $50 to $100 consultation fee for your first visit, where they determine the best solution for your pain.
Facility: Getting a cortisone shot at a hospital typically costs more than at a doctor’s office, clinic, or urgent care center.
Location: You’ll likely pay more for a cortisone shot if you live in an affluent area or large city as opposed to a rural area or small town.
What to expect
Getting a cortisone injection is a fairly simple, non-invasive procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
Your doctor may have you change into a hospital gown, depending on which part of your body is getting the shot.
The doctor or specialist will sanitize the area with alcohol wipes and let it dry.
They then apply a numbing spray or anesthetic to dull any pain from the needle.
They use a thin needle to administer the cortisone. Most patients report feeling pressure but not much discomfort or pain.
Cortisone injections are usually an outpatient procedure, which means that you can go home right away afterward.
Alternatives to a cortisone shot
If cortisone isn’t working the way it should or if your condition is severe, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments. Surgery may be the best solution for some issues like chronic joint pain.
New or experimental treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or hyaluronic injections can also help with joint pain. However, newer treatments may need more research before doctors understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.
FAQs about cortisone shots
What does a cortisone shot do?
Cortisone shots can help relieve pain and inflammation in your joints, muscles, or connective tissue. Cortisone shots work quickly to provide short-term pain relief that lasts several weeks or months. These shots are generally safe, but they do have some potential side effects like bruising or an allergic reaction.
How long does a cortisone shot last?
The effects of a cortisone injection usually last 2 to 6 months on average. Some patients report their relief only lasted a few days or weeks, while others report long-term results. If pain and inflammation come back earlier than two months, tell your doctor. Another condition may be affecting the medication.
Do you need to rest after a cortisone injection?
Cortisone shots are an outpatient procedure, meaning you can leave as soon as it’s over. However, you should rest for a day or two. You doctor may give you the following instructions after your injection:
Avoid using or putting stress on the injected body part.
Protect the area around the injection site for one to two days.
Don’t use a bathtub, hot tub, or whirlpool for two days (showers are okay).
Watch the injection site for swelling, pain, or redness.
Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel to help with any pain or swelling.
Do cortisone shots hurt?
Cortisone shots can sometimes hurt, depending on which part of the body they're injected in. The shot may sting briefly when your provider inserts the needle, but it typically doesn't cause severe pain. Your provider may numb the area around the injection site with a local anesthetic first to prevent pain.
Why are cortisone shots bad for you?
Cortisone shots are normally safe and not bad for you. Side effects are mild in most cases and go away within 1 to 2 days. Common side effects may include:
Blushing or facial flushing
Increased appetite
Insomnia
Pain or bruising at and around the injection site
Temporarily increased blood sugar levels
Temporarily increased blood pressure
Severe side effects from cortisone injections are rare, but they can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your provider immediately:
Allergic reactions like difficulty breathing or hives
Bone mineral loss
Changes in your heart rate
Infection
Nerve damage
Seizures
Weakened tendons
How often can you get a cortisone shot?
Doctors recommend getting a cortisone shot no more than once every 3 to 6 months. While side effects are generally mild, severe reactions or complications are more likely if you receive cortisone shots frequently or for a long period of time.
Questions to ask your doctor about cortisone injections
Ask your doctor these important questions to make sure you understand how the shots work and what the potential risks are:
What symptoms can cortisone shots help me with?
How often can I receive cortisone injections?
Will this require an epidural?
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Can cortisone cure my pain, or will I always need the injections?
Can you tell me what side effects to look out for?
How much experience do you have with administering cortisone shots?
Are there any alternative treatments I should consider?
Can you recommend any supplemental treatments or methods?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.