How Much Does Facet Joint Injection, Cervical/thoracic Cost?
Also known as: Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev (CPT 64493)
Medial branch block injection to diagnose facet joint pain.
The total estimated cost of Facet Joint Injection, Cervical/thoracic (CPT 64493) is $274 to $513, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $82.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Facet Joint Injection, Cervical/thoracic
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Using X-ray guidance, the doctor injects numbing medication near the tiny nerves that supply sensation to the facet joints. If pain improves, the facet joint is confirmed as the pain source.
How Long Does It Take?
15-30 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Diagnosing whether facet joints are causing back or neck pain, preparing for radiofrequency ablation
How to Prepare
Arrange a driver. Keep a pain diary after the injection to determine how much relief you get.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev
How to Reduce Your Cost for Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev
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 ($190) differs from the facility rate ($82). 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 (5.70) x CF ($33.40) = $190
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Are facet joint injections worth it?
Benefits of Facet Joint Injections Fast Relief: Many patients report improvement within days. Helps Avoid Surgery: Can delay or reduce the need for more invasive spine procedures. Improves Quality of Life: Pain relief allows better participation in rehabilitation and daily activities.
How much do facet joint injections cost?
How long does a facet nerve block injection last?
What is the next step if facet joint injections don't work?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev is $82. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev 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 Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev 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.