Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Joint Injection (Cortisone): $800 total · Medicare pays $640 · Patient pays $160
MRI Spine (Lumbar): $1,400 total · Medicare pays $1,120 · Patient pays $280
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Joint Injection (Cortisone) | MRI Spine (Lumbar) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $800 | $1,400 |
| Medicare Pays | $640 | $1,120 |
| Patient Pays | $160 | $280 |
| Category | outpatient | imaging |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Joint Injection (Cortisone) and MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
MRI Spine (Lumbar) costs $1,400 on average, while Joint Injection (Cortisone) costs $800 — a difference of $600.
How much does Medicare pay for Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Medicare typically pays $640 for Joint Injection (Cortisone) (patient owes $160). For MRI Spine (Lumbar), Medicare pays $1,120 (patient owes $280).
What is Joint Injection (Cortisone)?
Injection of corticosteroids into a joint to reduce inflammation.
What is MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower spine.