How Much Does Trigger Point Injection (1 Muscle) Cost?
Also known as: Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament (CPT 20550)
Injection of a tendon sheath or ligament.
The total estimated cost of Trigger Point Injection (1 Muscle) (CPT 20550) is $112 to $211, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $33.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Trigger Point Injection (1 Muscle)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The doctor injects steroid and/or numbing medication around a tendon or ligament to reduce inflammation.
How Long Does It Take?
10-15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Tendinitis, de Quervain tenosynovitis, trigger finger, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow
How to Prepare
Tell your doctor about blood thinners. Rest the area for 24-48 hours after.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament
How to Reduce Your Cost for Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament
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 ($60) differs from the facility rate ($33). 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 (1.81) x CF ($33.40) = $60
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
How long does a tendon shot last?
Depending on the type of agent used, the pain relief may last for 2-10 hours. The steroid takes anywhere from 3-10 days to start decreasing inflammation. The response to a tendon injection is different for every patient. Some patients experience total relief for many months; others do not have any relief.
Will insurance pay for a cortisone shot?
A cortisone injection cost typically ranges from 00 to 00, but most insurance plans should cover at least part of the cost.
Why are doctors reluctant to give cortisone injections?
As Dr. Cunningham explains: “Most orthopedic surgeons don't like to give cortisone shots repetitively because, while it's good to relieve inflammation and pain, it can also lead to degenerative changes of the cartilage lining the joint.” Doctors usually won't give a patient more than three to four shots per year.
Would a steroid injection help a torn tendon?
Injecting steroid medicine into the fluid within the tendon sheath can treat the inflammation, decreasing the pain and increasing the range of movement in that area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament is $33. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament 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 Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Njx 1 tendon sheath/ligament 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.