Hyaluronic Acid Injections: A Cost Question
For many patients, the question of cost is crucial: Will health insurance cover the joint injection? The answer is complex – and depends on whether the patient has statutory or private health insurance, which preparation is used, and in which joint.
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)
Statutory health insurance companies generally do not cover the costs of hyaluronic acid injections. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has classified viscosupplementation as an IGeL service (Individual Health Service), as the proof of benefit was not considered sufficient according to the strict criteria of evidence-based medicine.
This means: GKV patients pay for the treatment themselves. The costs are settled directly between the doctor and the patient.
Private Health Insurance (PKV)
Privately insured patients have significantly better chances of cost reimbursement. Most PKV tariffs reimburse hyaluronic acid injections if the medical indication is clearly documented. Billing is done according to GOÄ (Fee Schedule for Physicians) – both for the medical service and for the preparation.
What does a joint injection cost?
The total costs are comprised of the preparation itself and the medical service (injection, possibly ultrasound). Overview of typical preparation costs:
- Ostenil Plus 40mg/2ml – Multiple series (3–5 injections), cost-efficient for moderate osteoarthritis
- Durolane 60mg/3ml – Single-shot, higher individual price, but only one injection necessary
- Synvisc-One 48mg/6ml – Single-shot with high volume, one session is sufficient
- Monovisc 88mg/4ml – Highest hyaluronic acid concentration in one injection
- Orthovisc 30mg/2ml – Proven 3-series, good value for money
IGeL Billing: How it Works in Practice
For GKV patients, an IGeL contract must be signed before treatment. This transparently documents the service, costs, and the fact that the health insurance company will not pay. This is legally required and protects both doctor and patient.
The medical service is billed according to GOÄ, typically:
- GOÄ 301 (Injection into a joint)
- GOÄ 410/420 (Ultrasound for imaging)
- Material costs for the preparation
Is the Investment Worthwhile?
From a health economics perspective, viscosupplementation can be very cost-efficient: A successful treatment can delay a knee or hip prosthesis by years. The costs of an endoprosthesis including rehabilitation are between 15,000 and 25,000 Euros – many times the cost of injections.
Conclusion for Practices and Clinics
For medical practices and clinics, IGeL billing for hyaluronic acid injections is an established model. Crucial factors are transparent patient education, correct GOÄ billing, and the selection of the right preparation for the respective indication.
Order now in the Novamedo Shop: All common hyaluronic acid preparations – Durolane, Synvisc-One, Ostenil Plus and more – at competitive B2B prices.
