An electrocardiogram, also known an EKG or ECG, is a test that examines heart conditions by measuring the heart's electrical levels. Electrodes are placed at several points on the body to transmit electrical impulses which create line patterns on paper. A technician typically performs the test and a doctor or specialist interprets the wave chart created by the test. The test is painless and generally takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Typical costs:
Typically, there are two costs associated with an EKG -- the cost of the procedure itself and the cost of the analysis of the readout.
Patients with medical insurance that covers a portion of the cost of the EKG, can expect to pay $30-$100 in copays for both the test and the analysis of the test. For example, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care[1] , which serves patients in Massachusetts, charges its members $32-$54 for an EKG and interpreting the results.
Uninsured patients can expect to pay $500-$3,000 total for an EKG. An EKG averages $1,500, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[2] , but some locations charge as high as $2,850. Typically, prices are higher for services in metropolitan areas, than in smaller rural communities.
Typically, patients undergoing an electrocardiogram lie flat on a table with electrodes attached to points on the chest, arms and legs. Sometimes a paste or a gel will be used to attach the electrodes and improve the conduction of the electrical impulses. The electrodes are attached to an EKG machine which tracks the electrical activity and traces it on paper.
WebMD[3] explains in detail how the EKG procedure is performed.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute[4] provides information on what to expect before, during and after an EKG is performed.
Discounts:
Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the EKG. Generally, insurance will cover 80%-100% of EKG testing. Contact an insurance provider for coverage specifics.
Some school athletic programs give student athletes EKGs to test heart health. The Cypress Project, which works to reduce the cost of EKGs for student athletes, tracks several high schools[5] in Texas with EKG machines. The schools charge student about $3 for the electrocardiograms.
Some physicians and hospitals offer discounts of up to 35% to patients who do not have health insurance. Washington Hospital Healthcare System[6] , located in California, offers a 35% discount for uninsured patients. The hospital also has a financial assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients.
Shopping for an ekg:
The Heart Rhythm Society provides a searchable directory[7] of cardiology professionals.
The American College of Cardiology offers an online locator of cardiology specialists.
Smart Heart Living, an informational website, offers tips on shopping for a cardiologist[8] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Wife went in for a consult about her concave chest. They did an ECG which wasn't really necessary. We have a high deductible health plan w/ BlueCrossBlueShield of NJ. The doctors charged around $125 for the appointment and $25 for the interpretation. The UC Health charged 900 (down to 600 after insurance) for the use of the equipment. Currently using that 600 dollars to sue them for highway robbery. Never going to UC Health again.
The appointment was November 2, 2022. Just received the bill on May 3, 2023 for my part which was $57.73 which I declined to pay. I did pay a copay of $30.00 for seeing my cardiologist at the same time. The charge was %650.00 just for the ECG with my part being $57.73
For EKG $49 charged by Oaklawn Medical Group plus $2,490 charged by Oaklawn Hospital. "Contractual allowance" from my Blue Cross insurance brings total down to "only" $827. Absolutely absurd for a 5 minute test on equipment that likely cost less than $3K
Ct scan with umr costs 4K and I paid it because they were threatening collections and they got paid $242 to READ the stupid thing and it’s been on my credit report for 1.5 years. Worst part- CT showed bulging discs, and multiple fibroids, blood and bacteria in my urine, esophagitis and not one single word to me! No antibiotics nothing!!!!
Was charged $397 for EKG at Texas Childrens Hospital with UHC insurance.. whereas the same test costed $53 at Kelsey Seybold with UHC insurance 6 months back
Went in for a second opinion about possible interactions between cholesterol medications I had been prescribed by my PCP. They attached electrodes to me for less than a 1 minute and the Dr looked at the results for perhaps a minute or two. For that I was charged over $600 That seems like a ridiculous amount to charge based on the reality of the situation.
Thought I was having a heart attack, went to ER. Spent 3 hours waiting out in waiting room (making it obvious it was not serious) and 2 hours inside ER hooked to an ECG + blood tests + chest x-ray + head CT scan + saline IV + 1 pair of yellow nonslip socks. DIAGNOSIS: Labyrinthistis No Insurance! Final Bill: $9040.00 (Actually, final bill was over $11,500 but that the hospital decided to discount amount (wink wink) after finding out I am uninsured! (Nonsense. This is lime a retailer raising the price of an item by 50% the putting it on sale for 25% off...). Had I had insurance, it would have been probably billed at a fraction of what I am asked to pay. Had this been billed to MediCal, it would have been billed at under $1500. People in the medical field are supposed to be caring and conscientious. So what is the logic behind charging individuals multiples of what a corporation is charged?
I needed a EKG before I had a outpatient surgery. the Creekwood surgery center called me to have the EKG, giving me two options. I didn't recognize the first place listed and decided to go with the Hospital. (big mistake) I was in there a total 5 min. if that. took her longer to hook me up then it did for the reading. my bill for the "outpatient ancillary services" was 359.45. my doctors office charged me $12 for the interp. insurance paid 95.55, or it would have been 455.00. I'm guessing had I picked the first place it would have been cheaper since it wasn't a Hospital. Blue Cross insurance.
I have FEP Blue Cross / Blue Sheild for heath Insurance. For an EKG that I did not request I was billed $4,468 dollars. I have the high Option Insurance with the Post office and BC /BS expects me to pay 15% of this bill to the tune of $520. If I had no insurance at all I would have been billed $500 for the test and read. This is theft to me. I have been ripped off.
My daughter was admitted to the emergency room at Lewisdale hospital and had an electrocardiogram tracing and the charge to my insurance was 4,188.66 plus 31.34. My cost is 2,517.52.This amount is outrageous.
Assumed EKG was covered with cardiology visit. Paid $50 copay up front. No one mentioned EKG would have separate charges. It was done like routine by a medical assistant along with my BP and HR within 2 minutes. Got bill for $411.
I went in for what I thought was going to be my no cost annual checkup or Preventative Screening. I was given an EKG that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas said was not covered. I did not ask for it. I am still finding out why is was given if they knew it was not part of the ACA and the Insurance would not pay.
I had an annual physical in my Dr. office. I did not have any symtoms but the Dr. did one because I had not had one done in his office before. They charged $239 for EKG and interpretation. My Insurance rejected it saying it was not a covered service for the annual physical.
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