Spinal injection, lower back, no imaging guidance in Phoenix, AZ costs $400 to $637. Here's every hospital's price.

CPT 62322 is an epidural or spinal injection in the lumbar or sacral spine, done without imaging guidance: typically a steroid injection for sciatica or lower-back pain from a disc or narrowing. It takes a few minutes and is done in a procedure room. Most pain specialists now use imaging guidance (62323), so this code is less common outside of anesthesia and emergency settings.

What the price covers

The hospital's price is the facility fee for the procedure room, nursing and supplies. The physician bills separately, as does any sedation. The injected medication may be a separate line.

Why prices vary

Pain injections are among the most variable hospital prices because they are quick, common and elective. Hospital outpatient departments list several times what pain clinics and ambulatory surgery centers charge for the identical injection.

Questions to ask

• What is the self-pay price for 62322, and what does the physician add?
• Is imaging guidance planned, and does that change the code and price?
• Can the injection be done at a pain clinic or surgery center for less?