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Shoulder Osteoarthritis × Cortisone Injections

Cortisone Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Comprehensive guide to using cortisone injections for treating shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about effectiveness, what to expect, and coverage options.

Evidence: strong
Medicare: Covered
Type: injections

How Cortisone Injections Helps Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Complete guide to cortisone (corticosteroid) injections for arthritis and joint pain. Learn about effectiveness, limitations, side effects, and how they compare to other treatments.

For patients with shoulder osteoarthritis, cortisone injections may help by addressing the underlying joint damage and providing symptom relief.

Potential Benefits

Considerations

Who May Benefit

Cortisone Injections for shoulder osteoarthritis is typically considered for patients who:

  • Have tried conservative treatments (rest, OTC medications) without adequate relief
  • Have mild to moderate shoulder osteoarthritis
  • Want to delay or avoid surgical intervention
  • Have no contraindications to the treatment

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Insurance Coverage

Coverage for cortisone injections when treating shoulder osteoarthritis.

Insurance Plan Covered? Prior Auth Est. Cost Requirements
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • In-network provider preferred
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • In-network provider
  • +1 more
Aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Appropriate diagnosis
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Treatment by in-network provider
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • In-network provider preferred
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
Cigna Healthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Treatment by in-network provider recommended
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • In-network provider preferred
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
medicare-advantage Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
Humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
  • • Appropriate diagnosis code
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Treatment by Medicare-enrolled provider
  • +1 more
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Treatment by enrolled Medicare provider
guide Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
guide Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • In-network provider
  • +1 more
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50) Standard coverage
UnitedHealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Appropriate diagnosis code
aetna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
cigna Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
medicaid Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
humana Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
medicare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
unitedhealthcare Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
bcbs Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity
private Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • In-network Kaiser provider
other Not required $100-$300 per injection (with insurance copay typically $20-$50)
  • • Medical necessity documentation
  • • Diagnosis of joint pain or inflammation
Typically covered
Not covered / experimental
Prior authorization required

Coverage information is provided as a general guide and may vary by specific plan, location, and medical necessity. Always verify coverage directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. Cost estimates assume standard Medicare rates and typical copay structures.

Other Treatments for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Oral Medications for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

PRP Injections for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Cortisone Injections for Other Conditions

Cortisone Injections for Frozen Shoulder

Cortisone Injections for Bursitis

Cortisone Injections for Degenerative Joint Disease

Cortisone Injections for Hip Arthritis

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Take our treatment assessment to see if cortisone injections might be a good option for your shoulder osteoarthritis.

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