How Much Does Radiofrequency Ablation of Spinal Nerves (Lumbar) Cost?
Also known as: Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt (CPT 64635)
A procedure that uses heat to disable specific nerves carrying pain signals from the spine.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Spinal Nerves (Lumbar) (CPT 64635) costs $173 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $1.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Radiofrequency Ablation of Spinal Nerves (Lumbar)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Using X-ray guidance, needles are placed near the target nerves. Radiofrequency energy heats the nerve tips to prevent them from sending pain signals.
How Long Does It Take?
30-60 minutes procedure, 30-60 minutes recovery
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Chronic lower back pain, facet joint pain, failed conservative treatment, positive diagnostic nerve block
How to Prepare
Stop blood thinners as directed. Arrange a ride home. You may have increased pain for 1-2 weeks before improvement.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt
How to Reduce Your Cost for Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($465) differs from the facility rate ($173). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $949, compared to $1 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (13.92) x CF ($33.40) = $465
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt is $173. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $1. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $949. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Destroy lumb/sac facet jnt when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.