How Much Does Drain/injection Joint/bursa with US Cost?
Also known as: Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us (CPT 20611)
CT-guided joint injection.
The total estimated cost of Drain/injection Joint/bursa with US (CPT 20611) is $168 to $316, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $50.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Drain/injection Joint/bursa with US
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Using CT imaging for precise guidance, the doctor injects steroid and numbing medication into a joint that is difficult to access with other imaging.
How Long Does It Take?
20-30 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Deep joint injection (hip, SI joint), joint injection in difficult anatomy, prior failed blind injection
How to Prepare
Fast 4 hours if sedation planned. Arrange a driver.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us
What Insurance Companies Actually Pay
Real negotiated rates from 15 hospitals across 6 states (from hospital price transparency filings)
| Insurance Company | Avg Rate | Range | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $2,088 | $184 - $4,866 | 10 |
| United | $1,249 | $51 - $3,009 | 10 |
| Cigna | $1,484 | $0 - $4,482 | 9 |
| Humana | $2,120 | $59 - $4,690 | 8 |
| BCBS | $409 | $50 - $749 | 5 |
| Superior Health Plan | $916 | $444 - $948 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $616 | $357 - $1,117 | 5 |
| BCBS-TX | $72 | $39 - $100 | 2 |
| Wellpoint | $168 | $47 - $444 | 2 |
| CHC | $1,596 | $26 - $3,522 | 2 |
| Molina Healthcare | $52 | $52 | 2 |
| Community Health Choice MCD | $53 | $53 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($104) differs from the facility rate ($50). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (3.12) x CF ($33.40) = $104
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us is $50. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Drain/inj joint/bursa w/us when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.