Procedures
Steroid injection, major joint (knee/shoulder/hip) cost in California
Steroid injection, major joint (knee/shoulder/hip) is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 153 hospital and 12 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $465 (most listed prices $131–$1,500).
Usually included: the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Hyaluronic acid (J7321-J7333) and PRP are different bundles.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Steroid injection, major joint (knee/shoulder/hip)
The doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 158 providers. Most listed prices: $279–$1,963.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $36.89
- $85
- $90.50
- $22.95
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Joaquin Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $24.45
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Glendale Adventist Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $25.20
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Helena Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $29.07
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Tulare price file · checked Oct 2026 - $29.07
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Hanford Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $29.07
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Reedley Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $29.34
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: White Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - San Joaquin Community HospitalLarge joint/bursa drain or injection, with ultrasound guidanceScan only$30
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: San Joaquin Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $30.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Ukiah Adventist Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Regents of the California at Irvine HospitalJoint injection (large joint, e.g. knee)Facility fee only$31.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Regents of the California at Irvine Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Glendale Adventist Medical CenterLarge joint/bursa drain or injection, with ultrasound guidanceScan only$31.65
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Glendale Adventist Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $32.55
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St Helena Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Steroid injection, major joint (knee/shoulder/hip)
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.