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How Much Does Lumbar or Sacral Facet Joint Injection (Third Level) Cost?

This procedure involves injecting a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a facet joint or its innervating nerves in the lumbar (lower back) or sacral spine at the third level. It is performed to diagnose the source of lower back or sacral pain or to provide…

Step 1 · The average price
Average hospital price
$9,497
Based on 100 hospitals across 74 cities
$71
$39,875

💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $45 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.

Step 2 · Your city

What does Lumb/Sac Facet Inj (3rd Lev) cost where you live?

Prices vary by location. Pick your city to see local hospital prices.

Why do some cities cost 3–4× more than others?

Most of the difference is hospital pricing, not the medicine. The procedure itself is essentially the same everywhere — what changes is what the facility charges:

  • Hospitals set their own prices. There's no national price for a procedure, so two hospitals — even in the same city — can charge wildly different amounts for identical care.
  • Local costs differ. Wages, rent, and malpractice insurance are far higher in big metros (e.g. San Francisco, New York) than in smaller cities. Medicare adjusts the doctor's fee for this, but only modestly; hospital charges swing much more.
  • Competition matters. In areas with few hospitals or one dominant health system, prices tend to run higher. Competitive markets push them down.
  • Insurer contracts vary by region, which moves both the negotiated and cash prices.

💡 Because the difference is mostly pricing power — not quality — it's worth comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate, which is often far below the list price.

Common Questions

How much does Lumb/Sac Facet Inj (3rd Lev) cost?
The average Average hospital price for Lumbar or Sacral Facet Joint Injection (Third Level) is $9,497. Across 100 hospitals, prices range from $71 to $39,875.
Does Medicare cover Lumb/Sac Facet Inj (3rd Lev)?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $45 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$9).
How much does it cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients often face the chargemaster rate (3-10x higher than cash price). Always ask the hospital for their self-pay or cash-pay rate — often 40-80% off the list price.
Why is the price so different between hospitals?
Hospital prices for the same procedure vary by insurance contract, facility overhead, and regional cost of living. In some cities, the highest-priced hospital charges 3-5× what the lowest-priced hospital charges for the same service.
Why does Lumb/Sac Facet Inj (3rd Lev) cost so much more in some cities than others?
Most of the difference is hospital pricing, not the medicine — the procedure is essentially the same everywhere. Hospitals set their own prices with no national standard, so charges swing 3-4× based on local wages, rent, and malpractice costs, how much competition there is between hospitals, and regional insurer contracts. Because it's pricing power rather than quality, comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate can save a lot.
What should I ask before scheduling?
Ask for the total estimated bill (including facility + anesthesia + supplies), whether the service is covered by your insurance, if the procedure can be done at an ambulatory surgery center (typically 30-60% cheaper), and what the cash-pay rate is.

💬 Ask a Question About This Procedure

Not sure what applies to your situation? Ask our AI assistant. Answers in plain English, with links to hospital data.

Important: These figures come from publicly available Medicare fee schedules and hospital price transparency filings. They are not a quote. Your actual cost depends on insurance, deductible, facility, and clinical circumstances. Always verify with your facility and insurer before scheduling. For educational purposes only — not medical advice.

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