Epidural Steroid Injection vs Sed Rate (ESR)
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Epidural Steroid Injection: $2,000 total · Medicare pays $1,600 · Patient pays $400
Sed Rate (ESR): $20 total · Medicare pays $16 · Patient pays $4
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Epidural Steroid Injection | Sed Rate (ESR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $2,000 | $20 |
| Medicare Pays | $1,600 | $16 |
| Patient Pays | $400 | $4 |
| Category | outpatient | lab |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Epidural Steroid Injection and Sed Rate (ESR)?
Epidural Steroid Injection costs $2,000 on average, while Sed Rate (ESR) costs $20 — a difference of $1,980.
How much does Medicare pay for Epidural Steroid Injection vs Sed Rate (ESR)?
Medicare typically pays $1,600 for Epidural Steroid Injection (patient owes $400). For Sed Rate (ESR), Medicare pays $16 (patient owes $4).
What is Epidural Steroid Injection?
Injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space for pain relief.
What is Sed Rate (ESR)?
Blood test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle.