Knee injections offer a non-surgical option for managing knee pain, especially pain caused by osteoarthritis. These treatments involve injecting medication directly into the joint space to reduce inflammation or restore lubrication. Determining the cost is complex because the price is not fixed; it fluctuates significantly based on the type of substance injected, where the procedure is performed, and the patient’s insurance coverage.
Cost Comparison of Common Knee Injection Types
The cost of a knee injection is largely determined by the therapeutic substance administered, with prices varying widely across the three main categories. Corticosteroid injections, often referred to as cortisone shots, are generally the least expensive option. The out-of-pocket price for uninsured patients typically ranges from $100 to $300 per injection. For insured patients, the co-pay can be as low as $20 to $50, provided the injection is deemed medically necessary.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, also known as viscosupplementation, mimic the natural joint fluid to lubricate and cushion the knee. These shots are substantially more expensive because the cost covers the specialized medication, which comes in various brand names. A single injection of a brand like Synvisc One or Euflexxa can cost over $1,000 to $1,400 just for the medication alone, before facility and professional fees are included. Some treatments require a series of three to five injections, which multiplies the total cost.
The most costly category is regenerative medicine, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing. Since PRP is often classified as experimental by many insurers, the cost is almost always paid entirely out-of-pocket. A single PRP injection typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the clinic and preparation method. This higher price reflects the specialized equipment and extra preparation time required to process the patient’s blood into the injectable plasma.
Variables That Affect the Final Treatment Price
Several logistical factors cause the final billed price to vary dramatically from one provider to the next. Geographic location plays a significant role, with procedures in major metropolitan areas usually costing more than those in rural settings. The choice of facility also creates a major price difference due to facility fees. Receiving an injection in a hospital outpatient department, for instance, can be nearly twice as expensive as receiving the same injection in an independent physician’s office. Hospitals often add a facility fee to cover the operational overhead of the larger institution.
Another variable is the use of imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, which ensures the needle is accurately placed within the joint space. While guidance improves the accuracy and effectiveness of the injection, it adds a separate professional and technical fee to the overall bill. For more complex cases, the added cost of this technology is included in the final price.
Navigating Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Payments
The price billed by a provider is often different from the final out-of-pocket amount a patient must pay, a distinction managed by insurance coverage. Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections when they are considered medically necessary for treating osteoarthritis. Coverage for hyaluronic acid often requires a prior authorization process, where the physician must demonstrate that the patient has failed to respond to more conservative treatments first. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) remains the exception, as most insurance providers still categorize it as investigational or experimental, resulting in almost no coverage.
Even when a procedure is covered, the patient’s financial responsibility is determined by their specific plan’s deductible, copayment, and coinsurance requirements. A patient must first meet their annual deductible before the insurance begins to pay a percentage of the costs. After meeting the deductible, the patient is responsible for a copay (a fixed amount) or coinsurance (a percentage of the allowed charge). For patients without insurance, providers sometimes offer a discounted cash-pay option. This cash rate can often be lower than the full billed price, as it avoids the administrative complexity and higher reimbursement rates negotiated with insurance companies.