Spine injections are more complex than for vaccinations or joint injections. The injections are guided by imaging systems which electronically fuse previous CT or MRI examinations which tracks the needle path. Therefore, a reasonably up-to-date MRI or CT is essential. We can obtain previous imaging from NHS and private hospitals by electronic links after you give permission for us to access your data. 

We may advise that prior to a procedure the patient has up to date diagnostic imaging arranged. This is to ensure that there are no other causes for your pain. If you have not had any prior imaging or it was undertaken a long time ago we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. 

Spine questionnaire

For spine intervention referrals, whether from a healthcare professional or self-referral, we need detailed information from you about your medical history, the history of the current complaint, details of any allergies, how the condition is affecting you and an assessment of your response to any pain. We will send you an electronic confidential questionnaire or if you are unable to receive electronic messages, we can send a paper version. These questionnaires use internationally recognised disability scores and pain scores which help to determine which will be the most effective treatment in your case.

MRI examinations

Our doctors have admitting rights for MRI and other procedures at The Manor Hospital (Oxford), Genesis Care (Oxford), Cobalt Health (Cheltenham) or European Scanning (Harley Street London). Prices may vary depending on the examination location and facility. For example, knee or lumbar spine examination in Cheltenham is £266 for one area, whilst a standing, sitting or lying MRI examination of the whole spine using specialist machine is at the upper end of the price range.

The remote hospital will bill patients at the same rate as their standard charges as a single fee which includes the reporting of examination. Using electronic links to our archiving we will make the referral, arrange investigation, report the examination and archive the images at no additional charge for those referrals channelled through our practice. 

Appointments

If you decide to proceed with treatment, please contact our team to make an appointment and they will explain and send further details for the practicality of attending, travelling home after an injection and the follow-up process.

Follow-up

Once any injection treatment is complete, we ask you to complete a pain diary over the two-week period following the procedure. This is an essential part of the patient 

care as the outcome score affects the advice the consultant will give you by a follow-up report.

Fees

This spinal package list below covers the cost of the initial consultation, the procedure, and the follow-up messages for the image guided spine procedures. Should you like to speak with our specialist without treatment please see the spinal consultation fees. The final section gives costs of additional imaging investigations should they prove necessary.

Cancellations

Please note St Luke’s Radiology holds a 48-hour cancellation policy. 50% of the normal fee will be charged for any cancellations made within less than 2 working days’ notice.