Cortisone injections can be a great way to manage pain and restore mobility. However, as with any other medical procedure, understanding the cost implications is crucial to determining whether they are the best treatment for you.
The cost of cortisone injections is one of the most frequently asked questions our customer support team receives. Unfortunately, the cost of the injection is not certain and depends on various factors, but it starts at around £250. However, the cost can vary depending on where you live, your health insurance status, and the location of the injection.
But just as important as the cost of the injection is understanding it and its benefits as much as possible.
What is a Cortisone Shot?
Cortisone shots are a type of steroid injection used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties in different parts of the body. The injection can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by various conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Lower back pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Cysts and deep acne
The purpose of the injection is to deliver the steroid into the affected area through a thin needle. Cortisone is a hormone produced in the body to regulate the immune system. It also helps control inflammatory hormones, which relieve pain and improve mobility.
The injection can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as physical therapy, weight management, and chiropractic adjustments, for better results.
What Are the Common Types of Cortisone Injections?
Two types of cortisone injections can be classified: by the location of the injection or by the type of steroid used.
There are four types of cortisone injections, depending on the site of the injection. These include:
Joint Injections
These are also known as intra-articular injections used to treat joint pain. The joint injection is applied directly to the affected joint. This type of injection can be used for:
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections are applied to the spinal cord to treat back and neck pain. They can also be used for pain radiating down the legs or arms. Cortisone is injected into the space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Soft Tissue Injections
These are used to treat pain and inflammation from soft-tissue injuries and conditions. They include injections for plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. The injection is administered directly into the affected soft tissue to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Acne Injections
Cortisone injections can also be used for severe cystic acne. The injection is applied directly to the cystic acne to reduce immune response and prevent flare-ups.
The cortisone injection also depends on the corticosteroid medication used in the shot. Some of the common corticosteroids include:
- Triamcinolone acetonide: Used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in various conditions. It works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances and reducing swelling, pain and other symptoms.
- Methylprednisolone acetate: This corticosteroid works by suppressing the immune system and reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, leading to reduced swelling and pain in the affected area.
- Dexamethasone: Frequently used in cortisone shots to treat conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. It also works by suppressing the immune response.
- Betamethasone works by modifying the immune response, reducing symptoms. It is used to address inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
- Hydrocortisone is used mainly for allergic reactions, skin conditions, and joint issues. When injected into the affected area, it reduces redness, inflammation, and itching.
Each type of corticosteroid has a different cost, with hydrocortisone being one of the more affordable options and methylprednisolone acetate being among the more costly options.
How a Cortisone Injection is Performed
Cortisone injections are routine procedures that can be performed at your primary care clinic or another medical clinic like The Scan Clinic. They are often outpatient procedures allowing you to go home after the injection has been performed.
The injection procedure starts with sanitising the injection site. Your healthcare provider will spray the area with a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort during the injection. The cortisone injection is administered through a thin needle into the affected area. In most cases, you will feel some pressure from the injection but not much pain.
Depending on the injection site, we may use ultrasound technology to ensure we deliver the corticosteroid to the right part of the joint for better and faster effects. In cases where ultrasound guidance is used, the overall cost of the injection may be higher than when ultrasound technology is not needed.
When administered correctly, the effects of the cortisone injection can last 3-6 months. However, it is not uncommon for the pain to come back earlier, in which case you should consult your provider for other interventions.
Factors Affecting the Cost of the Cortisone Injection
The cost of a cortisone injection is not easy to determine unless you call our office because it depends on various factors such as the ones listed below:
Office Visit and Facility Fees
The cost of the cortisone injection will be influenced by the office visit and facility fees. The office visit costs are usually added to the cost of the injection, and the price depends on the clinic, geographic region, and insurance policy.
The costs might vary if you need the injection after office hours, on the weekends, or for an emergency visit. At The Scan Clinic, we have lower off-peak prices for patients who would like to shave off the cost and don’t mind coming in during off-peak hours.
The cost will be further influenced by whether an X-ray or other imaging is necessary before or during the injection. Imaging can be used to guide the healthcare professional during the procedure. Whether or not imaging is used depends on the anatomy and injection site.
Insurance Status
Your insurance status will also significantly affect the cost of the cortisone injection. If you are uninsured, you will pay a flat fee for the office or urgent care visit and the cortisone injection.
If you are insured, the out-of-pocket cost will be drastically reduced. Your insurance policy will cover injections if they are deemed medically necessary.
Location
The site of the injection will also determine the cost. In most cases, soft tissue and acne cortisone injections may be more affordable than joint injections, mainly because they don’t require imaging guidance.
Specialist or Physio
The injection cost also varies depending on whether it is administered by an orthopaedic specialist or a physiotherapist.
Orthopaedic specialists may charge more for their expertise and experience. This is usually the case if the procedure is performed in a private hospital.
Physiotherapists, with additional training, can also inject steroids into the joint. However, the price should not be the decisive factor, as the clinician’s experience in diagnosis and injection technique can significantly impact the procedure’s success rate.
How Much Does a Private Cortisone Injection Cost in the UK?
The cost of a cortisone injection will depend on the type of procedure required and where you are having it done. The injection can cost anything from £250 to £1000 and beyond. The high variation for the same procedure, especially in areas like London, can also depend on the clinic locations and whether you are self-funding or going through private insurance.
