Understanding the Value of PRP Therapy
If you’ve been researching Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, you’ve probably noticed one question comes up again and again:
“How much does PRP cost, and will my insurance cover it?”
At Coastal Orthopedics in Corpus Christi, we believe patients deserve clear, honest information—before they make any decision about their care.
Below you’ll find straightforward answers about how PRP pricing works, why most insurance plans don’t yet cover it, and what you can expect when paying for treatment.
Learn more with Dr. Williams himself:
What Does PRP Cost at Coastal Orthopedics?
At our practice, PRP therapy is a cash-based procedure priced at $600 per injection, due on the date of service.
That cost includes:
- The blood draw and processing using medical-grade centrifuge equipment.
- The preparation and concentration of platelets.
- The ultrasound-guided injection performed by Dr. Williams for accuracy and safety.
- Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up guidance.
Each patient’s situation is unique—some need only one injection, while others may benefit from a short series spaced several weeks apart—but our team always provides a transparent cost estimate before treatment begins.
Why Isn’t PRP Covered by Insurance if It Works?
It’s a fair—and frustrating—question.
Many patients assume that if a treatment is effective and performed by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, it should automatically be covered. Unfortunately, insurance coverage lags behind medical progress.
PRP research has already shown measurable benefits for conditions such as:
- Mild-to-moderate knee arthritis
- Rotator-cuff tendon injuries
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ligament sprains
However, insurance carriers typically wait for large-scale FDA approvals and multi-year clinical data before adjusting reimbursement policies.
That gap between innovation and bureaucracy leaves many regenerative treatments in a “gray zone”—clinically effective but not yet recognized for coverage.
Dr. Williams stays current on ongoing research and policy changes, and when insurance standards evolve, we’ll update our patients immediately.
Ready to see if PRP could help your joint pain or injury?
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Williams at
Coastal Orthopedics today.
Why Is PRP a Cash-Based Procedure?
While PRP therapy has become one of the most popular regenerative options for orthopedic injuries and arthritis, most insurance companies still classify it as “investigational.”
Here’s what that means:
- Limited coding: PRP doesn’t have a dedicated CPT code that payors routinely reimburse.
- Evolving research: Although evidence continues to grow, insurers say more long-term data is needed before they consider it “standard of care.”
- Regenerative category: Like stem-cell or biologic therapies, PRP sits in a newer field of medicine that’s advancing faster than insurance policy updates.
Until insurers revise those policies, PRP remains an out-of-pocket treatment nationwide, not just in Corpus Christi.
How Payment Works at Coastal Orthopedics
Because PRP is a self-pay service, payment is collected on the day of treatment.
We accept:
- Cash
- Major credit and debit cards
- HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards
Before your procedure, our staff will review your total cost, answer any billing questions, and confirm payment details—so there are no surprises on the day of service.
Do You Offer Payment Plans or Financing?
We understand that medical expenses can add up quickly, and we want PRP therapy to remain accessible to patients who can benefit from it.
While payment for PRP is due in full at the time of service, we do our best to accommodate flexible arrangements when possible, including:
- Multiple-session bundles with simplified pricing if additional injections are needed.
- Guidance on using HSA/FSA funds, which can often be applied to PRP treatments even when insurance doesn’t reimburse directly.
- Referral for external medical-financing options, should you wish to pay over time.
Our goal is transparency—no hidden fees, no confusion, and a clear understanding of your investment in your recovery.
The Bigger Picture: Cost vs. Value
When comparing PRP to other treatments, it’s important to look beyond the upfront price.
- Cortisone shots may be covered by insurance but offer only short-term relief and can’t repair tissue.
- Surgery can cost thousands—even with coverage—and involves downtime and potential risks.
- PRP, at $600 per injection, offers a natural alternative that may reduce pain, restore function, and delay or prevent surgery.
For many patients, that investment leads to fewer office visits, less reliance on medication, and faster return to normal activity—a long-term value that extends well beyond the initial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Cost and Insurance
- How much does a PRP injection cost?
At Coastal Orthopedics in Corpus Christi, each PRP injection is $600, collected on the date of service. This includes the entire procedure from blood draw to injection. Most patients require only one or two sessions.
- Is PRP covered by insurance?
Currently, PRP is not covered by most commercial insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid because it is classified as “investigational.” Patients pay out of pocket.
- Why isn’t PRP covered if it helps people?
Insurance companies require large-scale data and long-term outcomes before approving new treatments for coverage. PRP research continues to expand, but policy updates take time.
- Do you offer payment plans or self-pay options?
Payment is due on the day of service, but we accept HSA/FSA cards and major credit cards, and we can help guide you to outside financing if needed. Our team will always review your options before your procedure.
Take the Next Step Toward Natural Healing
If you’re considering PRP for joint pain or sports injury and want a clear, upfront understanding of cost and expectations, our team is here to help.
We believe transparency builds trust—and every patient deserves both.
📍 5920 Saratoga Blvd #600-A, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Schedule your consultation today and discover how Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy can help your body heal naturally — and exactly what to expect from start to finish.
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