How Much Do Orthobiologic Injections Cost? Full Price Guide

How Much Do Orthobiologic Injections Cost? Full Price Guide

Nov 11, 2025

Oscar Tellez

Cost of Orthobiologic Injections: What Patients Need to Know

Understanding the Costs Behind Orthobiologic Injections

Orthobiologic injections—like PRP (platelet-rich plasma), stem cell-based therapies, and hyaluronic acid—are increasingly offered as alternatives to steroid shots or surgery for joint pain, sports injuries, and early arthritis. They aim to support your body’s own repair mechanisms rather than simply masking pain.

While these treatments can be appealing for people hoping to avoid surgery, they often raise an important question: how much do orthobiologic injections cost? Because insurance usually doesn’t pay for them, knowing the financial side is essential before making a decision.

If you’re wondering why insurance often excludes these therapies, see our complete guide on Insurance Coverage for Orthobiologics Explained for clarity on current coverage policies.

What Are Orthobiologic Injections?

Orthobiologics are substances derived from the body or other biologically compatible materials that support healing. They are commonly used in orthopedics and sports medicine. The main types include:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Made by concentrating platelets from your own blood. These platelets carry growth factors that support tissue recovery.

  • Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Collected from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue. These cells may help support cartilage, tendon, and ligament repair.

  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A lubricating fluid naturally found in joints. HA injections help improve joint movement and reduce discomfort in conditions like knee osteoarthritis.

Orthobiologics are often used for knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow conditions, as well as chronic tendon injuries. Because they’re considered non-surgical, they’re usually performed in outpatient settings.

How Much Do Orthobiologic Injections Cost?

Costs can vary widely depending on the type of injection, location, and provider. Here are typical national ranges:

Treatment Type

Average Cost (Per Session)

PRP Injections

$500–$1,500

Stem Cell-Based Injections

$2,500–$5,000

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

$300–$800

Factors that affect pricing:

  • Clinic location and local market rates

  • Experience and training of the provider

  • Single vs. multiple sessions

  • Equipment used (single-spin vs. double-spin centrifuge systems)

  • Whether imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) is included

Because these treatments are not covered by most insurance plans, clinics typically require payment upfront.

Comparing Costs to Traditional Treatments

Patients often compare orthobiologic injections to more conventional options, which are usually 

covered by insurance. Here’s how the numbers stack up:

Treatment Option

Typical Cost

Insurance Coverage

Corticosteroid injection

$100–$300

Usually covered

Physical therapy session

$50–$150 each

Often covered

Knee arthroscopy surgery

$5,000–$7,000+

Usually covered

Total joint replacement

$25,000–$35,000+

Usually covered

PRP injection

$500–$1,500

Rarely covered

Stem cell-based injection

$2,500–$5,000

Rarely covered

Hyaluronic acid injection

$300–$800

Sometimes covered (case-by-case)

Orthobiologics sit in the middle range: they cost more than steroids or therapy, but much less than surgery. They may also reduce downtime, which is an indirect cost saving for active patients or working adults.

Why These Injections Are Usually Self-Pay

Most clinics classify orthobiologic injections as elective, out-of-pocket procedures.

This is largely because insurers label them “experimental” or “investigational.” They argue there isn’t enough standardized long-term data to prove consistent outcomes.

If you want a deeper breakdown of this reasoning, see our article Why Regenerative Medicine Isn’t Covered by Insurance.

A few points to know:

  • HSAs and FSAs can sometimes be used if billed under general medical expenses

  • Workers’ compensation may occasionally cover PRP for work injuries

  • Most private plans deny stand-alone claims for PRP, stem cells, or HA unless used during surgery

Estimating the Total Cost of Treatment

When budgeting, don’t just look at the cost per session—also consider how many sessions you might need:

  • PRP: Most protocols recommend 2–3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart

  • Stem cell-based therapy: Often a single session but higher cost upfront

  • Hyaluronic acid: Typically a series of 3–5 injections over several weeks

Some clinics offer package pricing or payment plans to make costs more manageable. Always ask for a written estimate.

To dive deeper into how these costs stack up across regenerative therapies, check out Regenerative Injection Therapy Costs Explained.

Medicare and Cost Considerations for Seniors

If you are on Medicare, keep in mind that it generally does not cover orthobiologics like PRP or stem cells.

Medicare may cover certain FDA-approved synthetic bone graft materials during surgery, but not outpatient regenerative injections.

For a breakdown of what’s covered and what isn’t, see Orthobiologics and Medicare: What’s Covered and What’s Not.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Since these treatments are usually self-pay, it’s essential to have a financial conversation with your provider before starting. Helpful questions include:

  • Can I get a detailed itemized estimate?

  • How many sessions will I likely need?

  • Are there multi-session discounts or bundled packages?

  • Are financing or payment plans available?

  • What is your refund or cancellation policy?

It’s also useful to compare costs and coverage policies with similar treatments. For example, Prolotherapy and Insurance: A Patient’s Guide can help you understand how other regenerative options are billed.

How to Plan and Budget for Care

Because orthobiologic injections can cost thousands of dollars, planning ahead can reduce stress and financial surprises. Tips include:

  • Saving toward the treatment as you research it

  • Asking about seasonal discounts or self-pay promotions

  • Using HSA/FSA funds if available

  • Coordinating with family if shared support is needed

  • Confirming follow-up costs like imaging, follow-up visits, or physical therapy

Having a clear plan lets you focus on recovery rather than bills.

Key Takeaways

  • Orthobiologic injections cost $300 to $5,000 per session depending on the type

  • PRP is the most common, while stem cell-based therapies are the most expensive

  • Most insurers and Medicare do not cover these treatments

  • Patients should request written cost estimates and ask about payment plans

  • Orthobiologics may save indirect costs by reducing downtime compared to surgery

Understanding the financial side helps you make an informed decision about whether orthobiologic care fits into your treatment plan and budget.

About Me

I’m Oscar Tellez, I’ve spent the past 10 years working in regenerative medicine. My focus is on advancing safe, evidence-based applications of PRP, fat, bone marrow, birth tissues such as Wharton’s Jelly, exosomes, and cell factors.I share insights designed to help clinicians responsibly integrate regenerative care into their practice while staying compliant with FDA, FTC, and DEA guidelines.

You can connect with me directly on [Website], [LinkedIn] and [Facebook].

DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. Regenerative medicine products and therapies are subject to FDA, FTC, and DEA regulations. Clinicians should verify compliance and consult with qualified professionals before offering these treatments.