Cost of a Steroid injection
Steroid injections are a common treatment for various painful conditions, including joint pain, arthritis, and tendonitis.
While the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK offers steroid injections, some patients may opt to have them done privately for a host of reasons.
With the wait times to receive them via the NHS getting increasingly longer, patients are increasingly turning to the private sector.
Often the most important aspect for self funding patients is the cost factor and it can pay to shop around.
However with a wide range of practitioners performing steroid injections, there are additional factors to consider in addition to cost and the decision should not be based on cost alone.
Factors that can affect the cost include the whether it is being done in a clinic or hospital, the use of image guidance and experience of the clinician.
Some private healthcare providers may offer payment plans or accept insurance, which can help the patient spread the payments.
Key Points
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- Private steroid injections in the UK can vary in cost depending on several factors, including the type of clinic, the experience of the clinician and whether image guidance is used
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- Payment plans and insurance may be available to help make the cost of steroid injections more manageable for patients.
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- Patients considering private steroid injections should do their research and shop around although this is not always the decisive factor, cheapest is not always best.
Understanding Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are a type of treatment used to relieve pain and inflammation in various parts of the body.
They are commonly used to treat conditions such as Osteoarthritis (such as Knee Osteoarthritis), tendonitis, bursitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In the UK, steroid injections are available both on the NHS and privately.
Steroid injections are also commonly referred to as Cortisone or Corticosteroid Injections.
Steroid injections are usually given directly into the affected joint or tissue. The injection is typically a combination of a steroid medication and a local anaesthetic.
The Local Anaesthetic helps to numb the area and reduce pain, while the steroid medication reduces inflammation.
The effects of a steroid injection can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
Private Steroid Injections in the UK
Private healthcare providers in the UK offer a range of pricing options, including pay-as-you-go, insurance, and membership plans.
According to our own research, the average cost of a steroid injection in the UK can range from £150-1500.
The higher prices are charged for hip joints and spinal injections (which are often done with image guidance) in private hospitals
Also note that the cost of a steroid injection may not include additional fees, such as consultation fees (to reach an accurate diagnosis) or other investigation such as scan
Cost Factors for Steroid Injections
The cost of a steroid injection can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the main ones to consider:
Location
The location of the clinic or hospital where the injection is administered can also affect the cost. Private clinics in London, for example, may charge more than those in smaller towns.
Specialist or Physio
The cost of a steroid injection may also vary depending on whether it is administered by a Orthopaedic specialist or a Physiotherapist.
An Orthopaedic specialist may charge more for their expertise and experience. This is especially the case if being done in a private hospital.
Physiotherapists are able to inject Steroids into joints with additional training.
Price should not be the decisive factor as Clinician experience in diagnosis and injection technique can have a great impact on the success rate of the procedure. A successful injection often resolves pain more quickly.
Injections performed under image guidance are often more expensive than those performed with palpation.
Image guidance may include Ultrasound imaging or X-ray guidance. Naturally this attracts an additional charge due to the equipment used
Image guidance, especially ultrasound, is also important in arriving at the correct diagnosis rather than just injecting.
We often find that a careful examination and scan can sometimes alter the original request the patient may have had in terms to where the steroid injection is required
In summary, the cost of a steroid injection in the UK can vary depending on the type of injection, the location of the clinic, and the experience of the doctor.
Patients should consider all of these factors when choosing a clinic and clinician for their steroid injection.
Payment Options and Insurance
Some clinics or hospitals may also offer payment plans or financing options to help spread out the cost of the injection over time.
It is important to check with the clinic or hospital beforehand to see what payment options are available and what the terms and conditions are.
Another option is to use private health insurance to cover the cost of the injection.
Many private health insurance policies in the UK will cover the cost of steroid injections, although it is important to check with the insurance provider beforehand to check their terms and conditions
Some insurance policies may require a referral from a GP or specialist before covering the cost of the injection.
Private Steroid Injection Cost: Conclusion
To summarise, the cost of a private steroid injection in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors.
Based on the research conducted, a rough estimate for the cost of a steroid injection in the UK is around £150-1500.
It is important to note that the cost of the injection is not the only expense to consider.
Patients may also need to pay for consultations, hospital fees and follow-up appointments, and any additional tests or treatments that may be required especially if the procedure is done in a private hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a private steroid injection in the UK?
The cost of a private steroid injection in the UK can vary depending on many factors. On average, the cost can range from £150 to £1500 (quite a large variation)
How much does a cortisone injection in the knee cost in the UK?
The cost of a cortisone injection in the knee in the UK can also vary depending on the location and the clinic. On average, the cost can range from £150 to £1000.
Can I pay for a private steroid injection in the UK?
Yes, it is possible to pay for a steroid injection privately in the UK especially if it is difficult to get one on the NHS.
Private clinics and hospitals offer this service, and patients can choose to pay out of pocket or use private health insurance.
Are steroid injections worth having?
Steroid injections can be an effective treatment for various conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
However, it is important to note that they are not a long-term solution and may not work for everyone.
Patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their clinician before deciding if a steroid injection is worth having.
Can my GP administer a steroid injection?
Yes, some GPs can administer steroid injections. However, not all GPs are trained or have the equipment to do so.
Patients should check with their GP if they offer this service or if they need to be referred to a specialist.
Does MyMSK Clinic Offer Private Steroid Injections in Manchester?
To Arrange a consultation please just visit our Booking Page or call us at 0333 772 9655. Alternatively you may wish to email us ‘admin@mymskclinic.co.uk’.
