Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs Spinal Fusion
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Joint Injection (Cortisone): $800 total · Medicare pays $640 · Patient pays $160
Spinal Fusion: $50,000 total · Medicare pays $40,000 · Patient pays $10,000
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Joint Injection (Cortisone) | Spinal Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $800 | $50,000 |
| Medicare Pays | $640 | $40,000 |
| Patient Pays | $160 | $10,000 |
| Category | outpatient | hospital |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Joint Injection (Cortisone) and Spinal Fusion?
Spinal Fusion costs $50,000 on average, while Joint Injection (Cortisone) costs $800 — a difference of $49,200.
How much does Medicare pay for Joint Injection (Cortisone) vs Spinal Fusion?
Medicare typically pays $640 for Joint Injection (Cortisone) (patient owes $160). For Spinal Fusion, Medicare pays $40,000 (patient owes $10,000).
What is Joint Injection (Cortisone)?
Injection of corticosteroids into a joint to reduce inflammation.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Surgical procedure joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.