Joint injection (medium joint) cost in Houston, TX
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, 43 hospitals list a cash price for joint injection or drainage, medium joint (wrist, elbow, ankle): from $79.00 to $1,640.00, with a median of $838.88. The lowest listed price is at Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center — $759.88 less than the median here. Across Texas, the median is $588.53 at 239 hospitals.
- The median here, $838.88, is 121% above the US median of $379.80.
- That is 2.7× Medicare's 2026 national rate for the same service ($313.60).
- Houston, TX ranks 2nd of 4 metro areas in Texas by median, cheapest first.
- 1 of 43 hospitals list a cash price equal to their full list price, with no self-pay discount.
Cash prices at 43 facilities across 18 cities for code 20605, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Sep 29, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Feb 28, 2026 and Sep 17, 2026.
Lowest$79.00Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center
Median$838.88half of hospitals charge less
Highest$1,640.00in this market
Difference20.8×highest vs lowest
Where each hospital's price falls
Each dot is one hospital's cash price on a scale from the lowest to the highest in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX.
median
Lowest $79.00Highest $3,542.51
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center lowest Liberty, TX · (936) 336-7316 Profeearthrocentesis Med Joint source file | $79.00 | $113.00 | $68.00–$107.00 | 30% |
| Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center Liberty, TX · (936) 336-7316 20605 Arthrocentesis, Aspiration And Or Injection; Intermediate Joint Or Bursa Technical Charge source file | $117.00 | $167.00 | $100.00–$159.00 | 30% |
| Harris Health Taub Loop Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 ECHG PULMONARY PROC ARTHROCEN ASPIR&/R INJ INTERM JT BURSA+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $180.21 | $381.00 | $190.50–$304.80 | 53% |
| Harris Health Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 ECHG EMG PROC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPN INTRDM EXT+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $180.21 | $381.00 | $190.50–$304.80 | 53% |
| Sweeny Community Hospital Sweeny, TX · (979) 548-3311 Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from medium joint File of Sep 8, 2026 · source file | $210.12 | $350.20 | $105.06–$425.00 | 40% |
| Harris Health Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 ECHG EC PROC ART,ASP &/ INJ;INTE JNT /BURSA+1 more line at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $283.25 | $381.00 | $40.00–$304.80 | 26% |
| Harris Health Taub Loop Houston, TX · (713) 873-2000 ECHG PROC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPN INTRDM EXT+1 more line at this price File of Mar 24, 2026 · source file | $283.25 | $381.00 | $40.00–$304.80 | 26% |
| St Luke's Patients Medical Center Pasadena, TX · (281) 487-0700 ARTHROCENTESIS INTERMED JT+1 more line at this price File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $295.47 | $844.20 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| Hsa St. Joseph one side Houston, TX · (713) 757-1000 DRN/INJ INT JNT/BRSA WO US RT+1 more line at this price File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $303.42 | $881.67 | $292.80–$431.69 | 66% |
| The Community Hospital of Brazosport Lake Jackson, TX · (979) 297-4411 ASPIRATIONANGKLEWRISTELBOW File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $430.15 | $1,229.00 | $18.78–$3,635.00 | 65% |
| Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center Liberty, TX · (936) 336-7316 20605 Arthrocentesis Aspir&/inj Interm Jt/burs W/o Us Techfee source file | $620.00 | $886.00 | $532.00–$842.00 | 30% |
| Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Katy, TX · (281) 392-1111 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center The Woodlands, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center Houston, TX · (713) 242-3000 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Tirr Memorial Hermann Houston, TX HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 725-5000 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital Pearland, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital Humble, TX · (281) 540-7700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 448-6796 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $675.12 | $2,109.75 | — | 68% |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR INJ INTERM JT BURS W/O US+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $732.31 | $1,093.00 | $23.54–$1,038.35 | 33% |
| Elite Hospital Kingwood Kingwood, TX · (832) 777-6165 Arthrocentesis aspiration and/or injection intermediate joint or bursa (eg temporomandibular acromioclavicular wrist elbow or ankle olecranon bursa); without ultrasound guidance File of Sep 17, 2026 · source file | $734.10 | $1,468.20 | $116.15–$154.86 | 50% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Upper Kirby) Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Cypress) Cypress, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Bellaire) Bellaire, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Rockets Orthopedic Hospital Bellaire, TX HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Imaging Center (Texas Medical Center) Houston, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital Houston, TX HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (713) 704-3700 HC ARTHROCENTESIS ASPIR&/INJ INTERM JT/BURS W/O US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $838.88 | $2,621.50 | — | 68% |
| Shriners Childrens Texas Galveston, TX · (409) 770-6600 DRAIN/INJ JOINT/BURSA W/O US File of Mar 18, 2026 · source file | $1,163.55 | $1,163.55 | $10.00–$988.00 | — |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC ARTHROCENTESIS/ASPIRATION & OR INJ MED JOINT WITHOUT US GUIDE (CT)+5 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $1,179.20 | $1,760.00 | $23.54–$1,672.00 | 33% |
| Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 824-1000 TC ARTHROCENTESIS/ASPIRATION & OR INJ MED JOINT WITHOUT US GUIDE (R/F)+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 5, 2026 · source file | $1,180.54 | $1,762.00 | $23.54–$1,673.90 | 33% |
| Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 270-2000 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Cypress, TX · (346) 618-1506 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston, TX · (832) 522-1000 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Baytown, TX · (281) 420-8600 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston, TX · (281) 477-1000 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 274-8000 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Katy, TX HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Nassau Bay, TX · (281) 333-5503 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,314.50 | $2,629.00 | — | 50% |
| St. Lukes Hospital at the Vintage Houston, TX · (832) 534-5000 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| CHI St. Luke's Health Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center Houston, TX · (832) 355-1000 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $23.90–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's Lakeside Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 266-4055 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| CHI St. Luke's Health Springwood Village Spring, TX · (936) 266-4050 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Land, TX · (281) 637-7000 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| St Luke's the Woodlands Hospital The Woodlands, TX · (936) 266-4050 HC ASPIR/INJ JOINT INTERM File of Feb 28, 2026 · source file | $1,396.50 | $3,990.00 | $19.49–$5,160.00 | 65% |
| The Methodist Hospital Houston, TX · (713) 790-2221 HC ARTHRO/ASPIR/INJ INTMD JNT/BURSA WO US File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,640.00 | $3,280.00 | — | 50% |
| Hsa St. Joseph Houston, TX · (713) 757-1000 DRAIN/INJ JOINT/BURSA W/O US File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $3,542.51 | — | $3,418.52–$5,058.96 | — |
Hospital The hospital that published the price, its city and the line exactly as written in its price file.
Cash price The hospital's own price for a patient paying without insurance (“discounted cash” in its price file). Hospitals must publish it under federal law, 45 CFR 180.50. Call to confirm it before booking. More
List price The hospital's full chargemaster price (“gross charge”) before any discount. Almost nobody pays it; the gap to the cash price shows what the self-pay discount is worth. More
Insurers pay The lowest and highest rates this hospital has agreed with insurance plans for the same item, from its price file. If the cash price is below what your plan pays and you have not met your deductible, paying cash can cost you less. More
Off list How much lower the cash price is than the list price.
At or below Medicare This cash price is at or below what Medicare pays a hospital for the same service, which is unusually low. It is what the hospital's file says; confirm it and what it includes before booking. More
No cash discount This line's cash price equals the hospital's full list price. Many hospitals still reduce bills for uninsured patients: ask the billing office for its self-pay discount in writing. More
Outpatient: lowest $79.00, median $838.88, highest $1,640.00 — a 20.8× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 40 facilities here, median $838.88. Inpatient and outpatient prices are not comparable and are kept on separate pages: the inpatient charge covers admission, not the same purchase.
Cash or insurance?
At 14 of 16 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 2 it is below every plan's rate. If you have insurance but have not met your deductible, you usually pay your plan's negotiated rate, which falls somewhere in the "Insurers pay" column. Paying cash can cost less, but a cash payment usually does not count toward your deductible. Ask the hospital for both numbers before you book.
What joint injection (medium joint) is, what the price covers and why prices differ: Joint injection (medium joint) explained.
1 row held back from this comparison
It is priced below $1 or below a tenth of the national median for code 20605 ($393.00). Such a line is almost always a physician's fee billed separately, an assistant's share or a placeholder — a real charge, but not the price of the procedure itself.
| Hospital | Cash price | File |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeny Community Hospital Sweeny, TXAspiration and/or injection of fluid from medium joint | $33.36 | file |
File Link to the hospital's own price file.