How Much Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Cost? (2026 Guide)

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are one of the most common pain management procedures in the United States, with over 9 million performed annually. They're used to treat back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. While each injection is relatively inexpensive compared to surgery, costs add up quickly when multiple injections are needed — and prices vary enormously by facility.

Based on negotiated rate data from over 3,200 hospitals, the national median cost of a lumbar epidural steroid injection is $1,170 without fluoroscopy (CPT 62322) or $1,282 with fluoroscopic guidance (CPT 62323). Most patients can expect to pay between $701 and $1,977, though prices range from $263 to over $2,801.

National Epidural Steroid Injection Cost Data (2026)

Without Fluoroscopy (CPT 62322)

With Fluoroscopic Guidance (CPT 62323)

Data source: Negotiated rates from hospital price transparency files, analyzed by Taven Health. Prices reflect facility fees and do not include physician professional fees or medication costs.

Compare epidural injection costs at facilities near you →

What's Included in the Cost (And What's Not)

Typically Included in the Facility Fee

• Procedure room time
• Nursing and monitoring
• Recovery area
• Basic supplies (needles, drapes)

Usually Billed Separately

• Physician professional fee: $200–$800
• Fluoroscopy/imaging guidance: May be included or separate $100–$500
• Steroid medication: $50–$200
• Contrast dye (if used): $50–$150

Total all-in cost per injection typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on facility setting.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

There are three main approaches, with similar costs:

• Interlaminar: The traditional approach. Needle enters between vertebral bones. Most common for cervical and thoracic spine.
• Transforaminal: Needle targets a specific nerve root. Considered more targeted. Most common for lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica).
• Caudal: Needle enters through the sacral hiatus at the base of the spine. Less common, sometimes used for lower back/leg pain.

Factors That Affect Your Epidural Injection Cost

1. Facility Setting — Office vs. ASC vs. Hospital

This is the single biggest cost driver:

• Pain management office with fluoroscopy: $800–$2,000 total. Cheapest option.
• Ambulatory surgery center: $1,500–$3,000 total.
• Hospital outpatient department: $2,500–$5,000+ total. Most expensive.

2. Fluoroscopic Guidance

Fluoroscopy (live X-ray) adds cost but is strongly recommended. It ensures accurate needle placement and reduces complication risk. The small extra cost ($100–$500) is well worth it for safety and effectiveness.

3. Number of Levels

Injecting at multiple spinal levels in one session adds to the cost. Each additional level typically adds $300–$800.

4. Number of Injections Per Year

Most patients need a series of 1–3 injections spaced 2–4 weeks apart. At $1,500–$5,000 per injection, a series of three can cost $4,500–$15,000 total.

5. Geographic Location

Prices vary 2–3x by region, with major cities charging significantly more than smaller markets.

Epidural Injection Cost With Insurance

• High-deductible plan (haven't met deductible): You may pay the full negotiated rate, $800–$2,000
• PPO/HMO with moderate deductible: Typically $200–$800 per injection
• Met your deductible: Coinsurance only, often $100–$400

Pro tip: If you need multiple injections, having the first one earlier in the year means subsequent injections may be cheaper as you accumulate deductible credit.

Epidural Injection Cost With Medicare

• Part B: 20% of Medicare-approved amount after deductible
• Typical out-of-pocket per injection: $150–$400

How to Save on Epidural Steroid Injections

1. Choose an Office-Based Setting

If your pain management doctor has fluoroscopy in their office, having the injection there instead of at a hospital can save $1,000–$3,000 per injection.

2. Compare Facility Prices

Use Taven's Compare Care tool to see what facilities near you charge. The variation from $263 to $2,801 is enormous for a 15-minute procedure.

3. Ask About the Injection Series

Not everyone needs three injections. If the first one provides significant relief, you may not need more. Don't agree to a pre-planned series without evaluating results from each injection.

4. Consider Alternatives

Physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications may reduce your need for injections. Spinal fusion is a much more expensive option — exhaust conservative treatments first.

5. Get a Good Faith Estimate

Request a Good Faith Estimate before each injection.

When Are Epidural Steroid Injections Appropriate?

• Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica): Pain radiating down the leg from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy: Pain radiating down the arm from neck nerve compression
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing leg pain with walking
• Herniated disc: When conservative treatment hasn't provided adequate relief

When they may not be appropriate: Chronic low back pain without radiculopathy, as evidence for ESIs in non-radicular pain is limited. Discuss the expected benefit with your pain management specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

An epidural steroid injection costs a median of $1,170–$1,282 in facility fees, with total all-in costs of $1,500–$5,000 per injection. Since most patients need 1–3 injections, the total cost can add up quickly.

Choose an office-based setting with fluoroscopy when possible, compare facility prices, and evaluate each injection's results before committing to a series. Use our bill review tool to check charges after each visit.