How Much Does Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (without Imaging) Cost?
Also known as: Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac (CPT 62323)
An epidural injection in your neck (cervical) or upper back (thoracic) area using imaging guidance.
The total estimated cost of Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (without Imaging) (CPT 62323) is $300 to $562, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $89.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (without Imaging)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You will lie face down or sit up. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor injects steroid medication into the epidural space of your neck or upper back to reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.
How Long Does It Take?
15-30 minutes (plus recovery)
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Neck pain with arm symptoms, cervical herniated disc, cervical spinal stenosis, upper back nerve pain
How to Prepare
Arrange a driver. Fast for 4-6 hours. Stop blood thinners as directed. You may have temporary arm numbness after the procedure.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac
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 | $2,196 | $619 - $4,833 | 10 |
| United | $1,653 | $282 - $2,909 | 10 |
| Cigna | $2,140 | $650 - $5,160 | 9 |
| BCBS | $1,130 | $276 - $1,706 | 5 |
| Humana | $2,632 | $651 - $4,690 | 8 |
| Superior Health Plan | $954 | $948 - $1,040 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $1,445 | $837 - $2,620 | 5 |
| BCBS-TX | $854 | $469 - $1,200 | 2 |
| Wellpoint | $509 | $263 - $1,040 | 2 |
| CHC | $1,489 | $214 - $2,951 | 2 |
| Anthem | $3,592 | $2,125 - $4,764 | 2 |
| UNITED | $519 | $268 - $846 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac
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 ($273) differs from the facility rate ($89). 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 (8.18) x CF ($33.40) = $273
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Does insurance cover epidural steroid injections?
Why only 3 steroid injections a year?
There is evidence that having too many steroid injections into the same area can cause damage to the tissue inside the body. Your doctor will probably recommend you don't have more than three steroid injections into the same part of the body within a year.
How long do spinal epidural injections last?
What is the success rate of L4 L5 lumbar epidural steroid injections?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac is $89. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac 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 interlaminar lmbr/sac?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Njx interlaminar lmbr/sac 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.