Cost and insurance coverage are often the first questions patients have once an epidural steroid injection is recommended, right alongside "will it actually work." Here's what Long Beach patients should know about the financial and logistical side of this procedure before scheduling.
Is an Epidural Steroid Injection Covered by Insurance?
For many insurance plans, yes. Epidural steroid injections are generally considered a medically necessary treatment when used for diagnosed conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, which means many plans, including PPO plans and Medicare, provide at least partial coverage. That said, coverage specifics, including copays, deductibles, and whether prior authorization is required, vary significantly by plan.
What Affects Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Several factors influence what you'll actually pay:
- Whether you've met your deductible for the year.
- Your specific plan's copay or coinsurance for interventional procedures.
- Whether prior authorization is required, and whether it's been obtained before your appointment.
- Whether the injection is diagnostic or therapeutic, and whether a repeat injection is later recommended based on how you responded.
- Facility and physician fees, which can vary depending on where the procedure is performed.
How to Find Out Your Exact Cost Before Scheduling
The most reliable way to know your specific cost is to have your insurance benefits verified directly. At our Long Beach clinic, our team verifies your benefits before your procedure so you have a clear picture of your expected out-of-pocket cost, rather than an unwelcome surprise on your bill.
What If I Don't Have Insurance, or My Plan Doesn't Cover It?
If you're uninsured or your specific plan doesn't provide coverage, ask our office about self-pay options. Being upfront about your situation during scheduling helps our team walk you through what's available rather than leaving you to guess.
Do I Need a Referral for an Epidural Steroid Injection in Long Beach?
Not always. Many patients schedule directly with Integrative Sports & Spine for an evaluation, though some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician before covering an interventional procedure like this one. Our team can help confirm what your specific plan requires.
What to Expect Logistically at Our Long Beach Clinic
- Location: 2650 Elm Ave STE 210, Long Beach, CA 90806.
- Appointment length: Most epidural steroid injection appointments, including preparation and a short observation period afterward, take about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Transportation: If you'll be receiving sedation, arrange a ride home in advance, since driving isn't recommended in that case.
- Follow-up: You'll leave with a clear plan for when to expect relief and when to check back in. Our guide on how long an epidural steroid injection takes to work covers the full recovery timeline in detail.
Why Long Beach Patients Choose Integrative Sports & Spine for Epidural Steroid Injections
- Board-certified specialists, including Dr. Henry K. Lee, DO in Long Beach and Dr. Daniel T. Kuo, DO in City of Industry, perform these procedures using image guidance for precision and safety.
- Upfront insurance verification, so you know your expected cost before your procedure, not after.
- Image-guided needle placement, using live imaging to help position the needle accurately during the procedure. Coverage still depends on your plan, medical necessity and any required prior authorization.
- A conveniently located Long Beach clinic, with a team that handles the insurance and scheduling details so you can focus on your recovery.
If you're still deciding whether this procedure is right for you, our guides on sciatica treatment and non-surgical herniated disc treatment explain where epidural steroid injections fit into a broader treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an epidural steroid injection cost in Long Beach without insurance?
Self-pay cost varies by facility and by whether the injection is diagnostic or therapeutic. Contact our Long Beach office directly for current self-pay pricing and any available options.Will I need more than one injection, and does insurance cover repeat injections?
Not necessarily. Whether a repeat injection makes sense depends on how much relief the first one gave and how long it lasted, so your physician decides after each injection rather than scheduling a set series in advance. Coverage for any repeat injection depends on your plan, documented medical necessity and prior authorization, which may be required for each one.Does Medicare cover epidural steroid injections?
Medicare typically covers epidural steroid injections when they're medically necessary and properly documented, though specific coverage details can vary. Our office can help verify your Medicare benefits before scheduling.What's included in the cost of an epidural steroid injection?
Typically, the cost includes the physician's fee, the facility fee, and any imaging guidance used during the procedure. Ask our office for an itemized breakdown once your benefits have been verified.Can I get a cost estimate before my first visit?Yes. Contact our Long Beach office with your insurance information, and our team can provide a benefits verification and cost estimate before you come in, so there are no surprises.
Get Your Insurance Verified for an Epidural Steroid Injection in Long Beach
Cost shouldn't be a mystery when you're deciding on treatment. The team at Integrative Sports & Spine's Long Beach clinic will verify your insurance benefits and walk you through your expected cost before your procedure.
Schedule a consultation online or call (833) 476-7377 to get started.
