25 Questions to Ask Before Getting Joint Injections

Why These Questions Matter

The questions you ask before joint injection treatment can mean the difference between effective care and wasted time and money. Many patients don’t know what to ask, allowing providers to avoid discussing important details about qualifications, alternatives, or realistic expectations.

This guide provides 25 essential questions organized by category—from provider credentials to financial considerations—to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Questions About Provider Qualifications

1. Are you board certified, and in what specialty?

Why it matters: Board certification indicates:

• Completion of required training
• Passing rigorous examinations
• Maintaining continuing education
• Accountability to professional standards

What to look for: Board certification in:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)
• Pain management
• Rheumatology
• Sports medicine

Red flag: Vague answers, certification in unrelated fields, or reluctance to discuss credentials.

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2. How long have you been performing joint injections?

Why it matters: Experience matters for technique refinement, complication management, and patient selection.

What to look for: Several years of experience with your specific type of injection.

Red flag: Very new to the procedure or learning on the job.

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3. How many of these procedures do you perform each year?

Why it matters: Volume correlates with outcomes. Providers who regularly perform a procedure tend to have better results.

What to look for: Specific numbers indicating regular experience:

• Knee injections: 100+ annually
• Shoulder injections: 50+ annually
• Hip injections: 50+ annually

Red flag: Vague answers like “several” or “enough” or very low volume.

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4. What percentage of your practice focuses on non-surgical joint care?

Why it matters: Specialists focused on non-surgical options may have more expertise with conservative treatments than surgeons who primarily operate.

What to look for: Significant focus on non-surgical care if that’s what you’re seeking.

Red flag: Surgeon who sees most patients as surgical candidates.

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5. Do you have hospital privileges?

Why it matters: Hospital privileges require additional credentialing and peer review.

What to look for: Active privileges at an accredited hospital.

Red flag: No hospital privileges or only works in cash-pay clinics.

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Questions About the Procedure

6. Do you use fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance for injections?

Why it matters: Research shows imaging-guided injections are significantly more accurate:

• Blind hip injections miss the joint 30-50% of the time
• Blind shoulder injections miss up to 30% of the time
• Even knee injections benefit from guidance

What to look for: Standard use of fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound.

Red flag: “I can feel where the joint is” or claims imaging is unnecessary.

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7. What type of injection do you recommend, and why?

Why it matters: Different injections work differently:

• Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation): Lubricates joint, may last 6-12 months
• Corticosteroids: Reduces inflammation, typically lasts 6-12 weeks
• PRP: Emerging treatment, limited evidence
• Stem cells: Largely unproven for arthritis

What to look for: Evidence-based recommendation specific to your condition.

Red flag: Pushing expensive, unproven treatments without discussing standard options.

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8. How many injections will I need?

Why it matters: Treatment protocols vary:

• Hyaluronic acid: Some brands require 1 injection, others require 3-5 weekly injections
• Corticosteroids: Typically single injection
• Series commitments: Should be explained upfront

What to look for: Clear explanation of the recommended schedule and why.

Red flag: Requiring payment for multiple injections upfront without trying one first.

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9. What medication specifically will be injected?

Why it matters: Know exactly what you’re receiving:

• Brand name of hyaluronic acid product
• Type and dose of corticosteroid
• Any other medications included

What to look for: Specific product names and doses.

Red flag: Vague answers or reluctance to specify products.

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10. What are the potential side effects and complications?

Why it matters: Every procedure has risks. Common side effects include:

• Temporary pain at injection site
• Swelling
• Rare: infection, allergic reaction, nerve damage

What to look for: Honest discussion of risks and how they’re managed.

Red flag: Minimizing risks or claiming the procedure is “completely safe.”

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11. How long will the procedure take?

Why it matters: Helps with scheduling and knowing what to expect.

What to look for:

• Office-based: 15-30 minutes including prep
• Imaging-guided: May take longer for positioning

Red flag: Rushed appointments with minimal time for preparation or discussion.

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12. What should I expect for recovery time?

Why it matters: Planning for activity restrictions and pain management.

What to look for:

• Most patients: Resume normal activities within 24-48 hours
• Some procedures: Brief rest period recommended
• Timeline for when to expect benefits

Red flag: No guidance on activity restrictions or unrealistic recovery claims.

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Questions About Outcomes and Expectations

13. What are the success rates for this treatment?

Why it matters: Helps you understand likelihood of benefit.

What to look for: Realistic percentages based on research:

• “60-70% of patients experience significant pain reduction”
• Acknowledgment that results vary by individual

Red flag: Guarantees of success or claims of 100% effectiveness.

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14. How long will the benefits last?

Why it matters: Planning for long-term management.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid: 6-12 months on average
• Corticosteroids: 6-12 weeks typically
• Wide range acknowledged based on individual factors

Red flag: Promises of permanent results or cure.

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15. What happens if the injection doesn’t work?

Why it matters: Good providers have a treatment pathway, not just a single option.

What to look for:

• Discussion of next steps
• Other treatment options available
• Timeline for evaluating effectiveness

Red flag: No plan B or immediate push to expensive next treatment.

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16. How long before I know if it worked?

Why it matters: Setting expectations for when to evaluate success.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid: May take 2-4 weeks for full effect
• Corticosteroids: Often feel better within days
• Clear timeline for follow-up

Red flag: Vague timeline or expectation of instant results.

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17. Can you show me data on your patients’ outcomes?

Why it matters: Quality providers track outcomes and can share aggregate results.

What to look for: Willingness to discuss success rates and patient satisfaction.

Red flag: No outcome tracking or unwillingness to discuss results.

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Questions About Alternatives

18. What other treatments should I consider?

Why it matters: A comprehensive provider discusses all options:

• Conservative: Physical therapy, weight loss, exercise
• Injections: Different types
• Surgical: When appropriate

What to look for: Balanced presentation of multiple approaches.

Red flag: Only discussing the one treatment they offer.

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19. Should I try physical therapy first?

Why it matters: Many conditions respond well to conservative care, which should typically be tried before injections.

What to look for: Recommendation aligned with medical guidelines.

Red flag: Dismissing conservative care or rushing to injections.

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20. At what point would surgery become necessary?

Why it matters: Understanding the full treatment pathway and when surgery is appropriate.

What to look for: Clear criteria for when surgery should be considered.

Red flag: Either pushing surgery prematurely or never discussing it as an option.

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Questions About Costs and Insurance

21. How much will this cost?

Why it matters: Preventing surprise bills.

What to look for: Clear cost breakdown:

• Physician fee
• Facility fee
• Medication cost
• Imaging fee (if applicable)

Red flag: Evasive about costs or unwilling to provide estimates.

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22. Is this covered by my insurance?

Why it matters: Understanding your financial responsibility.

What to look for:

• Offer to verify benefits before treatment
• Explanation of typical coverage
• Help with authorization if needed

Red flag: Pushing cash payment without checking insurance first.

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23. Are you in-network or out-of-network with my insurance?

Why it matters: Significant cost difference between in-network and out-of-network care.

What to look for: Clear answer about network status.

Red flag: Out-of-network provider who doesn’t explain cost implications.

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24. Will you bill my insurance, or do I need to pay and seek reimbursement?

Why it matters: Cash-pay requirements can signal:

• Unproven treatments insurers won’t cover
• Higher costs
• Inconvenience of seeking reimbursement (which may be denied)

What to look for:

• Direct insurance billing for covered services
• Clear explanation if cash-only and why

Red flag: Cash-only for standard treatments without valid explanation.

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25. Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

Why it matters: Additional fees can include:

• Initial consultation separate from procedure
• Follow-up visits
• Required imaging
• “Membership” or “concierge” fees

What to look for: Transparent disclosure of all potential costs.

Red flag: Discovering costs after you’ve committed to treatment.

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How to Use These Questions

Before Your Appointment

Prioritize based on your concerns:

• Safety-focused: Questions 1-6, 10-12
• Cost-conscious: Questions 21-25
• Outcome-oriented: Questions 13-17
• Option-exploring: Questions 18-20

Write them down: Bring a written list so you don’t forget in the moment.

Bring a companion: Another person can help remember information and ask follow-up questions.

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During Your Appointment

Take notes: Write down answers or ask if you can record the conversation.

Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand something, ask them to explain it differently.

Don’t feel rushed: Quality providers give you time for questions.

Request written information: Take materials home to review.

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After Your Appointment

Review the answers: Do they make sense? Were they satisfactory?

Research what you learned: Verify claims about success rates or coverage.

Consider a second opinion: Especially if:

• Major cost involved
• Answers raised concerns
• Treatment recommended differs from what you expected
• Provider seemed rushed or dismissive

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Red Flags in Responses

Watch for answers that indicate potential problems:

Evasive Answers

• “You don’t need to worry about that”
• “Trust me, I’m the doctor”
• “That’s too technical to explain”
• Changing the subject

Pressure Tactics

• “This is your last chance”
• “Special pricing ends today”
• “You’ll regret waiting”
• Discouraging questions or second opinions

Unrealistic Claims

• “This works for everyone”
• “You’ll be completely pain-free”
• “Better than surgery with no risks”
• “Guaranteed results”

Dismissiveness

• Negative comments about other treatments
• Refusing to discuss alternatives
• Minimizing legitimate concerns
• Rushing through explanations

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Sample Question Scripts

If you’re uncomfortable asking direct questions, try these approaches:

For Credentials

“I want to make sure I’m in good hands. Can you tell me about your board certification and training in joint injections?”

For Imaging Guidance

“I’ve read that imaging guidance improves accuracy. Will you use fluoroscopy or ultrasound for my injection?”

For Alternatives

“Before I decide on injections, can you help me understand all my options, including conservative treatments?”

For Costs

“I need to understand the full cost. Can you provide a detailed estimate including all fees, and can you verify my insurance coverage?”

For Outcomes

“What should I realistically expect from this treatment? What percentage of your patients get good results, and how long do those results typically last?”

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What Quality Providers Welcome

Good providers:

• Appreciate informed patients who ask questions
• Welcome second opinions and don’t take them personally
• Provide clear answers to all questions
• Give you time to make decisions
• Respect your concerns and address them thoroughly
• Provide written information to take home
• Support your autonomy in healthcare decisions

If your provider seems annoyed by questions or rushes through answers, consider whether this is the right fit for your care.

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Building Your Decision

After asking these questions across multiple providers, you’ll be able to compare:

Qualifications:

• Board certifications
• Experience levels
• Outcome tracking

Treatment Approach:

• Use of imaging guidance
• Range of options discussed
• Evidence basis for recommendations

Communication:

• Clarity of explanations
• Respect for your questions
• Time given for discussion

Business Practices:

• Transparency about costs
• Insurance handling
• Absence of high-pressure tactics

Expected Outcomes:

• Realistic success rates
• Appropriate expectations
• Follow-up planning

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Additional Questions for Specific Situations

If Considering Expensive “Regenerative” Treatments

• “Is this FDA-approved for my condition?”
• “What peer-reviewed research supports this treatment?”
• “Why doesn’t insurance cover this?”
• “What are the evidence-based alternatives?”
• “Will you try proven treatments first?”

If Recommended a Treatment Series

• “Can I try one injection before committing to a series?”
• “What happens if I want to stop after the first one?”
• “Will you refund the cost if it doesn’t work?”
• “Why do you require upfront payment?”

If Provider is Cash-Only

• “Why don’t you accept insurance?”
• “Will you provide a superbill for me to submit to insurance?”
• “How does your pricing compare to insurance-covered alternatives?”
• “Are there financing options available?”

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Your Right to Information

Remember:

• You have the right to ask any question about your care
• You have the right to understand your treatment before agreeing
• You have the right to take time to decide
• You have the right to seek second opinions
• You have the right to decline treatment without explanation

Quality healthcare is a partnership. Providers who respect your questions and support your informed decision-making are demonstrating patient-centered care.

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Summary Checklist: Essential Questions

Before committing to joint injection treatment, ensure you’ve asked:

Provider Qualifications:

• Board certification status and specialty
• Years of experience with this procedure
• Annual volume of procedures performed
• Use of imaging guidance

Treatment Details:

• Specific medication and brand being used
• Number of injections required
• Expected timeline for results
• Potential side effects and complications

Outcomes:

• Realistic success rates
• Expected duration of benefits
• What happens if it doesn’t work
• Provider’s outcome data

Alternatives:

• Other treatment options available
• Conservative care recommendations
• When surgery becomes appropriate

Costs:

• Total cost estimate
• Insurance coverage verification
• Network status
• Hidden fees

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Related Resources

• How to Choose a Quality Joint Pain Specialist
• Red Flags: Warning Signs of Questionable Providers
• What to Expect at Your First Joint Pain Consultation
• Types of Doctors Who Treat Joint Pain
• Understanding Insurance Coverage for Joint Treatments