Lumbar radiofrequency ablation cost in Chicago, IL
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, 35 hospitals list a cash price for radiofrequency ablation of facet joint nerves, lower back, one level: from $404.70 to $12,903.37, with a median of $2,300.00. The lowest listed price is at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital — $1,895.30 less than the median here. Across Illinois, the median is $2,300.00 at 41 hospitals.
Cash prices at 35 facilities across 27 cities for code 64635, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Sep 23, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Mar 17, 2025 and Sep 1, 2026.
Lowest$404.70Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Median$2,300.00half pay less
Highest$12,903.37in this market
Difference31.9×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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
median
Lowest $404.70Highest $12,903.37
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list | File date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital lowest Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Lumb/Sac Dstr Neur Agt Singl W/ Imag Guid | $404.70 | $2,130.00 | $723.85–$2,544.51 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Rfa Water Cooled Lumb / Sac Singl Facet Jnt | $437.76 | $2,304.00 | $624.38–$1,681.92 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Rfa Lumb / Sac Singl Facet Jnt | $437.76 | $2,304.00 | $624.38–$1,681.92 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Lumb/Sac Dstr Neur Agt Singl W/ Imag Guid | $489.90 | $2,130.00 | $723.85–$2,992.34 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Rfa Lumb / Sac Singl Facet Jnt | $529.92 | $2,304.00 | $723.85–$2,992.34 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Rfa Water Cooled Lumb / Sac Singl Facet Jnt | $529.92 | $2,304.00 | $723.85–$2,992.34 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC DSTR NROLYTC AGNT PARVERTEB FCT SNGL LMBR/SACRAL | $1,125.00 | $4,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 665-3000 HC INJ NROLYTC PARAVRT FACET JOINT LUMB/SAC 1ST JO | $1,209.12 | $3,664.00 | $1,722.08 | 67% | — source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 PAIN DEST PARAVRT NRV W/IMAG L/S SGL LVL BCE | $1,541.62 | $4,534.18 | $283.00–$2,947.22 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Community First Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 282-7000 Destruction of lower or sacral spinal facet joint nerves using imaging guidance, single facet joint | $1,853.88 | $3,707.75 | $1,012.22–$4,215.00 | 50% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt | $2,082.00 | $16,676.00 | $182.74–$16,676.00 | 88% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Glenbrook Hospital Glenview, IL Destruct Neuro Ag Pv Facet;L/S 1st Lvl | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Glenbrook Hospital Glenview, IL Dest Neuro Agnt Pvfacet Jnt/Nrv; | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Skokie Hospital Skokie, IL Dest Neuro Agnt Pvfacet Jnt/Nrv; | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Highland Park Hospital Highland Park, IL Destruct Neuro Ag Pv Facet;L/S 1st Lvl | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Skokie Hospital Skokie, IL Destruct Neuro Ag Pv Facet;L/S 1st Lvl | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Evanston Hospital Evanson, IL · (847) 570-2000 Destruct Neuro Ag Pv Facet;L/S 1st Lvl | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Evanston Hospital Evanson, IL · (847) 570-2000 Dest Neuro Agnt Pvfacet Jnt/Nrv; | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Highland Park Hospital Highland Park, IL Dest Neuro Agnt Pvfacet Jnt/Nrv; | $2,211.30 | $3,402.00 | $459.27–$1,857.49 | 35% | — source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$4,094.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $116.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$4,094.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$4,480.40 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG UNI | $2,300.00 | $4,600.00 | $84.00–$3,908.36 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$4,708.72 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$4,793.92 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$5,055.20 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$5,532.32 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$5,055.20 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$4,583.76 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $84.00–$4,674.64 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 NEUROLYTIC L/S FACET SNG W IMG BIL | $2,840.00 | $5,680.00 | $116.00–$4,771.20 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 HB DESTRUCT NEURO AG, PV FACET;L/S 1ST LVL | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 HB DEST NEURO AGNT, PVFACET JNT/NRV; L/S 1 FCT JONT | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 HB DESTRUCT NEURO AG, PV FACET;L/S 1ST LVL | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Highland Park, IL HB DEST NEURO AGNT, PVFACET JNT/NRV; L/S 1 FCT JONT | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Highland Park, IL HB DESTRUCT NEURO AG, PV FACET;L/S 1ST LVL | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 HB DEST NEURO AGNT, PVFACET JNT/NRV; L/S 1 FCT JONT | $3,513.00 | $3,513.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwest Community Hospital Arlington Heights, IL · (847) 618-1000 Hb Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $4,388.00 | $4,388.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Lake Forest, IL · (847) 234-5600 HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $5,714.07 | $8,162.96 | $8.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Destruct Neurolytic Agnt, Paravert Facet Jnt Nerve W/Imag Guid, Lumbar/Sacal Ea Add Facet Joint | $5,955.00 | $5,955.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Winfield, IL · (630) 682-1600 HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $8,554.00 | $12,220.00 | $8.00–$218.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital McHenry, IL · (815) 344-5000 HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $9,266.95 | $13,238.50 | $20.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital Wheaton, IL HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $9,423.40 | $13,462.00 | $218.00–$883.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Geneva, IL · (630) 208-3000 HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $9,795.45 | $13,993.50 | $1,379.00–$3,975.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital Sandwich, IL · (815) 786-8484 HB Destroy Lumb/Sac Facet Jnt | $12,903.37 | $18,433.39 | — | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
Outpatient: lowest $404.70, median $2,300.00, highest $12,903.37 — a 31.9× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 24 facilities here, median $2,300.00. 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 16 of 25 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 3 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 it is
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disable the small nerves that carry pain from lower back facet joints, using imaging to guide the needle.
What the price covers
The price usually covers the injection and imaging guidance. The steroid or other medicine may be billed separately.