Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs Lumbar Disc Surgery
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Joint Injection (Cortisone): $800 total · Medicare pays $640 · Patient pays $160
Lumbar Disc Surgery: $22,000 total · Medicare pays $17,600 · Patient pays $4,400
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Joint Injection (Cortisone) | Lumbar Disc Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $800 | $22,000 |
| Medicare Pays | $640 | $17,600 |
| Patient Pays | $160 | $4,400 |
| Category | outpatient | hospital |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Joint Injection (Cortisone) and Lumbar Disc Surgery?
Lumbar Disc Surgery costs $22,000 on average, while Joint Injection (Cortisone) costs $800 — a difference of $21,200.
How much does Medicare pay for Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs Lumbar Disc Surgery?
Medicare typically pays $640 for Joint Injection (Cortisone) (patient owes $160). For Lumbar Disc Surgery, Medicare pays $17,600 (patient owes $4,400).
What is Joint Injection (Cortisone)?
Injection of corticosteroids into a joint to reduce inflammation.
What is Lumbar Disc Surgery?
Surgical treatment of herniated or degenerative lumbar discs.