| |
|
 |  | With Health Insurance: $200-$400 Copay |  | Without Health Insurance: $1,000-$5,000+ |
|
A stress test, often referred to as an exercise test or as an exercise electrocardiogram, is used to determine the amount of stress a patient's heart can handle. When a heart is at rest, blockages might be unrecognizable by an EKG test. But when a heart is working, it pumps harder making it easier to identify potential coronary artery blockages or heart problems. Generally, a stress test involves walking on a treadmill or bicycling on a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty to determine stress on the heart. While the test itself generally takes less than 15 minutes, expect the doctor's visit to be up to two hours total.
Typical costs: | - There are typically two main costs associated with a stress test -- the cost of the test itself and the cost of analyzing the results.
- Patients with medical insurance covering a portion of the cost of the stress test procedure can expect to pay $200-$400 total out of pocket, depending on a patient's copay responsibility. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care[1] , a Massachusetts based health care provider, charges its members $270-$379 for the test itself and an additional $24-$39 for an interpretation of the test.
- Uninsured patients will likely pay $1,000-$5,000 for stress test and the analysis. A cardiovascular stress test costs about $3,800 on average nationally, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[2] , but can get as high as $10,900. Prices range based on geographical location, with urban, metropolitan areas charging higher prices than rural areas.
Related articles: EKG, Heart Rate Monitor, Health Insurance
| |
What should be included: | - The most frequently used stress test in done on a treadmill. During a treadmill stress test, a patient will have electrodes placed on their chest. A preliminary EKG will be performed to determine electrical activity while the heart is at rest. The technician performing the test also is likely to take a patient's pulse. Then the patient will begin exercising, usually on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Gradually the degree of difficulty will increase, forcing the heart to work harder. Generally, a patient will exercise until he or she feels exhausted. The technician will ask how the patient is feeling at regular intervals. After the test, the patient will likely continue to pedal or walk during a cool down period until their heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
- Patients that are physiologically prevented from exercising can have a drug-induced stress test performed. Typically a drug is given to the patient to make the heart believe it is exercising.
- Some patients receive a nuclear stress test which involves injecting the patient with radioactive material to help create a better image of how the heart functions. A camera is used to view the patient's heart before and after exercise.
- WebMD[3] provides information on various types of stress tests and what a patient can expect before, during and after the test.
- HeartSite.com, a website run by a Georgia-based cardiologist, explains what is involved in an isotope, or nuclear, stress test[4] , which involves having a nuclear isotope injected into a patient to help locate problem areas.
Additional costs: | - Patients who have a drug-induced stress test might also be responsible for the cost of the medications, typically Dobutamine or Adenosine. Typically, patients are charges $50-$60 for radioactive materials.
Discounts: | - Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the stress test. Typically, insurance carriers cover 80%-100% of the costs. Contact an insurance provider for coverage specifics.
- Some physicians and hospitals offer discounts of up to 35% to patients who do not have health insurance. Washington Hospital Healthcare System[5] , located in California, offers a 35% discount for uninsured patients. The hospital also has a financial assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients.
Shopping for a stress test: | - The American Heart Association[6] has tips for reducing stress and living healthy.
- 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.
|
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2
|
| Posted by: ReikiFlow in Columbus, OH. | Posted: April 25th, 2023 05:04AM |
| Physician: O | Medical Center: O |
After chest pains, instead of the invasive angiogram, my cardiologist ordered these tests. At my age (upper 70’s) he ordered the chemical induced stress but I refused and walked/ran the treadmill.
Am grateful for Medicare and the supplement I pay each month. My out-of-pocket was zero.
My heart is fine. I can get back to 2-4 mile daily walks. |
|
|
| Posted by: PJT in Dover, NH. | Posted: April 5th, 2023 09:04AM |
| Physician: J. Mazzini MD | Medical Center: Mass General Brigham |
Billed to insurance $9081.12
Paid by insurance $8818.02
PT responsibility $263.10 |
|
|
| Posted by: Gm in Fairfax, VA. | Posted: December 10th, 2021 07:12AM |
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/Ending-Surprise-Medical-Bills This explains the new act to protect patients |
|
|
| Posted by: Gm in Fairfax, VA. | Posted: December 10th, 2021 06:12AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: INOVA Fair Oaks |
A lot of money for a couple of hours and a 15-minute test. Dr. Said after 10 years I needed a stress test. Was having some pains in arms and pressure in chest. Because of recent illness and poor stamina doctor recommended nuclear stress test. Total time spent maybe 2 hours. Got a notice in email I owed $1500 and it was overdue. I guess so! Called to reexamine charges, but after reading these posts, it is nationwide. This has me really steamed. Congress passed law that patient must be warned of excessive charges. Get an estimate first. I can’t believe doctors don’t know about this scam |
|
|
| Posted by: Bob Risky in St. Louis, MO. | Posted: October 23rd, 2021 09:10AM |
| Physician: Pearson | Medical Center: Saint Louis University Hospital |
Quoted two $700 charges upon arrival at the hospital to pay up front. I declined to pay up front. Low and behold when I received my bill it was for $5,639.02 which could have been more, but it took me to my yearly out-of-pocket maximum. The billed amount by the hospital was $51,395.00--$27,688.47 after the insurance discount. What was really shocking was that the nuclear imaging agent was $24,668.14. If they were completely upfront about the charges, I would have walked away and looked to have it some place else. |
|
|
| Posted by: HJB in Rochester, NY. | Posted: January 17th, 2021 08:01AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Unity Hospital |
Had an Echo Stress test 12/18/20, total charges were $1625, my copay was $307 about 19% of the total.
Both of those numbers are within the national average. |
|
|
| Posted by: Edward Miller in Hammonton, NJ. | Posted: August 28th, 2020 02:08PM |
| Physician: Dr Saia | Medical Center: Virtua health |
Dr calmly states like to get a stress test and a echo done been long time since your last. Last was walk a treadmill so thinking be the same went.
Side rooms in the Drs complex they shaved chest leads put on & had the echo done, then to the room. was then taken to get ct done,& back to waiting room, finally was called in, sat on a table nurse puts computer leads on in a room with treadmill computer other things. nurse comes in injects a compound inject me.. waiting to go on the treadmill? Got that weird hard to breath feeling all while sitting thinking when getting on the machine? Feeling gos away they said ok all finished?? OK? Left was called later down the road all looks good like last time. 2 bills came mis things bout $1000.. the surprise!! Bill for $17392.20 was friggen beyond mad!! Was never told cost nor told be nuclear nothing... Doctor is going to get cursed in to the next room when see him total BS wonder why our health care it so screwed up!! Never gonna happen again!! |
|
|
| Posted by: Todd H in Gainesville, VA. | Posted: January 28th, 2020 10:01AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Inova |
12 years ago had an echo stress (at age 32) in MN it cost me a few hundred out of pocket. I have had a history of heart issues so I decided to get it done again. They first did a color EKG ($1700 out of pocket) and then want me to do a Stress Echo to see more of my heart. Cost is $3500 my health insurance does not cover any of it. Lesson learned - Shop around unless you are in dire need. |
|
|
| Posted by: johnp in tyler, TX. | Posted: July 23rd, 2019 02:07PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Trinity Mother Frances |
At check in, I asked the lady how much this chemical stress test and echo was going to cost because I was pretty sure Insurance wouldn't cover this. She quoted me $1000-$1200+-, and $800 respectively. Just got the bill for $18,040!!! Even though I have a 790 credit score I'm afraid I'm going to have to let it take a ding. To HELL with this patient ripoff. I wont pay over what they quoted me at check in. |
|
|
| Posted by: John H in Manila Philippines, Other. | Posted: July 17th, 2018 12:07AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Philippine Heart Center |
I had a dobutamine stress echo yesterday as a private patient in a government hospital. They use a new Siemens machine before, during and after the stress test. Three professional staff looking after me during the two hour test. A real bargain at PhP7,900 ! I am glad I didn't need this in the USA ! |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Osceola, NE. | Posted: July 21st, 2017 09:07AM |
My wife decided to get this test because she had been having chest pains and has a family history of heart problems. Never a mention of the cost from the doctor as she discussed this with them. Everything I'd read online said the average for this most basic test was $150-$500, do you miss to top end of the estimate by 60%?!?! |
|
|
| Posted by: MGeorge in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: February 22nd, 2017 01:02PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: University hospital |
Now I am about to have a heart attach after seeing the bill, I think I was feeling much better before going to hospital. The bill came about 7000, from which the insurance paid about 80%, I am expected to pay about $2000. It is sinful, truly criminal to keep such unbearable cost for these tests. What does it cost the hospital to carry out such test, nearly nothing, besides I was NOT TOLD the cost prior to getting the test done. Patients are really exploited, unforgivable... really |
|
|
| Posted by: out of pocket Dan on the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, MS. | Posted: February 8th, 2017 05:02PM |
| Physician: Rizk | Medical Center: Gulfport Memorial |
A bit crazy for 3 hours. Cardiology $5701.20, Radiology $8318.20, Physician Fees $899.30, and $385.80 in supplies.
Was told it would be about $500 - $800 out of pocket was only off by 600%
It should be REQUIRED that you are told ahead of time what your charges will be...never have another one!! |
|
|
| Posted by: Jonathan Stride in Longwood, FL. | Posted: January 6th, 2017 09:01AM |
| Physician: Gupta | Medical Center: Orlando Health |
I was initially quoted that the stress test charges would be $8,000 but the contracted rate with my insurance would be $700 and since I had a high deductible I would be responsible for all of it. The procedure was done in a side office to my Physician's office. Imagine my surprise when I got a $14,440 bill from the hospital of which my responsibility was $1,800. This is in addition to the $8,000 of which my cost was $700 which I was originally quoted. Charging $22,440 for a stress test is criminal. Getting a bill for $2500 when I was quoted $700 makes me irate! |
|
|
| Posted by: WARREN W in HAMMOND, IN. | Posted: November 24th, 2016 07:11AM |
| Physician: UPADAHAY | Medical Center: FRANCISCAN ST MARGARETS |
|
|
| Posted by: John Schmidt in Chandler, AZ. | Posted: October 18th, 2016 01:10PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Dr. Office |
Since I have a $6,000 deductable I asked before having a stress test performed. I said I was self pay and the cost was $213.00. The test was performed using the treadmill, BP cuff monitored, and the EKG for 9 minutes walking uphill on the treadmill until my pulse reached 135+. Three days later the Dr.'s office called for me to consult with the cardiologist. Would not tell me on the phone if there was a problem. I asked the cost for the consult $150.00 for self pay. I was afraid to say i wanted to run this thru insurance as I feel the insurance would send me a bill stating I had not reached my deductable and I would owe a very large amount. Colusion between Insurance, Dr's, and hospitals that is the problem. |
|
|
| Posted by: Adam Sewall in Fort Myers, FL. | Posted: August 30th, 2016 08:08AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Lee Memorial Medical |
This was a nuclear stress test with radio-nucleotide administered over two days (tread mill stress test) post fasting. The total bill was $7462, insurance covered $4585 and there was an applied discount of $1501 so the net charge was $1375 as an out of pocket expense. |
|
|
| Posted by: Helen R. in Farmville, VA. | Posted: July 13th, 2016 08:07PM |
| Physician: Jain | Medical Center: Sentra Southside Community Hospital |
NEVER would have agreed to have this if I knew the cost ahead of time . Had letter from Anthem saying test was approved beforehand. Hospital billed insurance over $5000 AND Doctors office billed insurance $929. 3 codes were used, only had one test and NO DOCTOR WAS PRESENT at test. This is criminal, extortion ,just plain WRONG |
|
|
| Posted by: John Schindele in Bellevue, WA. | Posted: July 13th, 2016 08:07PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Overlake Medical Center |
|
|
| Posted by: DeeDee1 in Burlington, NJ. | Posted: June 9th, 2016 10:06PM |
| Physician: Cardiologist | Medical Center: Lourdes Hospital |
I was scheduled for a nuclear stress test a few months ago, but when the hospital called a week prior to the test, to tell me, I would have to pay $1,000 out of pocket, even though I have BC/BS, I immediately canceled. I was then scheduled for a "regular treadmill" stress test, for June 2016, and again, the hospital called and said the test would be $14,000, and I would have to pay $1,000 out of pocket. Once again, I canceled the test. I can't believe the out of pocket cost would be the same, for both tests, even though the nuclear is a lot more complicated than the regular test. It's all a racket and a scam. I'm glad the hospital called me because I saved myself $1,000. I'm about ready to leave this cardiologist, because every time you go into the office, he wants to give you an EKG, schedule you for ultra sounds, etc, just so he can make money and pass it on to these crappy hospitals. |
|
|
| Posted by: Ranga Nathan in Humble, TX. | Posted: May 6th, 2016 09:05AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Memorial Herman |
Doc sent me for nuc stress test and echo cardiogram. Lucky they asked for some of the money ("can you pay any small amount first?" alerted me). I wanted to know how much before going ahead. "Allowable" total $2142, which comes out of my HSA. I was stressed! But I said no, thanks and walked out. I had heart attack but after workout, zumba and swimming I am in fact in a better shape.
Guys, some of us here can get together and go into diagnostic business - or start a co-operative :-) |
|
|
| Posted by: PEG92065 in San Diego, CA. | Posted: March 11th, 2016 12:03PM |
| Physician: SHARP | Medical Center: SHARP SAN DIEGO |
I have not gone for my scheduled stress test. When I made the appt no one mentioned my cost. Today, via voice mail, the reminder phone call included $150 for the test (my copay). I am glad to have found this site so that I can cancel my appt. It is not mandatory, just elective so I am ok with canceling. Thanks for all of your comments. |
|
|
| Posted by: Kathy El Dorado County in placerville, CA. | Posted: January 29th, 2016 03:01PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Marshall |
Needed this test to have shoulder surgery because I had two bad EKGs, I have to pay $1355 out of pocket, there must be some mistake, now of the other listings are this high of a bill. |
|
|
| Posted by: Mary Anne in Venice, FL. | Posted: January 20th, 2016 09:01AM |
| Physician: Shoemaker, SB | Medical Center: Gulf Coast Medical Group, Venice, FL |
Gulf Coast Medical Group charged $13,456.80 for this test (chemical/nuclear stress test) plus more for 3D CT scan done simultaneously. Fortunately Medicare knocked this down to $1,080.06 for the stress test. Outrageous charges! |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Tyler, TX. | Posted: December 8th, 2015 11:12AM |
With insurance discount it came to 3072.31, that was all out of my pocket. No one told me what it would cost. Its crazy to pay $700 a month for insurance then have to pay $3,000 for a test. |
|
|
| Posted by: Bobby101 in Centralia, IL. | Posted: November 15th, 2015 08:11PM |
Had the stress test works, nuclear, echo and etc:
Doctor charged 10500.00 Medicare only paid 80 percent of what is was worth 1600.00 or 1280.00 and my supplement paid 20 percent of the 320.00 difference.So I paid nothing.
Now how can the Doctor charge this much knowing he is only going to get 80 percent of 1600.00.
O well I am on medicare but if I wasn't I be stuck with the hold bill. What a rip off. |
|
|
| Posted by: Highly stressed in Naples, FL. | Posted: September 22nd, 2015 09:09AM |
| Physician: Spilker | Medical Center: NCH Naples, FL |
Had chest pains so I went to the ER. Found BP was high. Faced a hefty bill from the hospital and the ER doctor. Went to my primary physician and asked for a stress test for peace of mind. Big mistake. I was charged a total of $2,771 for the stress test and ultrasound before and after on the treadmill. Got 2 bills; one from the hospital and one from the doctor. I thought the doctor works at the hospital but they can charge separately. United Healthcare covered $2,024.73 so I was left with still a hefty $746.27 bill to pay. Don't even get me started about the ER highway robbery. That ER doctor wanted to refer me to his friend a physician from Miami with a tainted record. Good thing I looked him up. The only good thing that came out of all these was my heart is still in good shape. Well, it was before I saw the bills anyway. LOL! Check the prices people before getting a stress test or the stress will stay with you for a long time. |
|
|
| Posted by: You gotta love it in Elkin, NC. | Posted: September 15th, 2015 12:09PM |
Came in thru ER stayed overnight in rural hospital and had stress test next day. Total price 10313.15 We have a 5000 deductible up from 1000 and an 450 ins premium up 100 a month since Obama saved us so we had to pay full bill. Ins did discount amount to pay to 5500.00 |
|
|
| Posted by: TCL in Lansdowne, PA. | Posted: August 4th, 2015 12:08PM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Mercy Fitzgerald, Phila |
I went in for what I though was a fairly simple test. I was directed to what was essentially a closet in the back of a Physical Therapy Room. There was a essentially a computer to record the data from the test, an oxygen cylinder, a stationary bike, a technician and a box fan to cool the space. I was probably there a little over 2 hours (should've been more like 1.5 hrs max, but the Doctor required for a portion of the test was late.). The total charge for this high tech adventure...$7231 of which United Healthcare (Insurance Co?) allowed me to pay $3800. Highway robbery!!! If I didn't have a heart problem, I do now. I had an Echocardiogram done in the doctors office with comparatively equal if not better technology, similar time, better accommodations and a technician with a higher level of training/technical talent and involvement. The cost for this was $810 dollars of which I only had to pay $80... I don't get it. Beware check on costs before you get these tests done. |
|
|
| Posted by: Robert M Johnson in tullahoma, TN. | Posted: April 24th, 2015 06:04PM |
| Physician: gupta | Medical Center: harton |
A joke had reg stress to get cdl license sost 800 |
|
|
| Posted by: Scott Becker in Northfield, IL. | Posted: February 27th, 2015 04:02AM |
| Physician: | Medical Center: Evanston Hospital |
Since this test was prescribed by the emergency room for my wife, I foolishly thought that most of the cost would be covered by Blue Cross insurance.
$ 4800 but they are graciously reducing it by 35%.
So about $3100. Glad it is a non-profit hospital so the execs can pocket multi-millions with no risk. |
|
|
| Posted by: James Cochran in waukegan, IL. | Posted: January 6th, 2015 10:01AM |
| Physician: VA | Medical Center: Lovell Regional VA Hospital |
Great test. Took nearly three hours but worth it. Sure pays to be a veteran. Professional staff. |
|
|
| Posted by: Sal Easterley in SAINT LOUIS, MO. | Posted: January 1st, 2015 08:01AM |
| Physician: Bhandiwad | Medical Center: Barnes-Jewish |
I was told that my Coventry Insurance was in network at admittance for possible heart attack and found out it was not. Now I have a $9,000 bill ad $7800 is the stress test the MPI and the Eco. I am being told I needed those so the doctor ordered them. From now on I will ask what it costs before I get them? |
|
|
| Posted by: Roger Thornhill in Cleveland, TN. | Posted: December 24th, 2014 09:12AM |
| Physician: Heart institute of Chattanooga | Medical Center: doctor's office |
I will never go back to a cardiologist. This is a racket. They should be made to carry tommyguns so we can recognize them. I was not consulted,they just rolled out this machine and in 2 minutes the 2500 dollar procedure was over. I'm tired of being caught in the middle of this doctor/hospital/insurance company war. |
|
|
Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2
|
|
|
|
|
External Resources: | - /www.harvardpilgrim.org/portal/page?_pageid=253,192924&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
- www.newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/52/Cardiovascular%20Stress%20Test
- www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/stress-test--(dupe)
- www.heartsite.com/html/isotope_stress.html
- www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
- www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/Stress-Management_UCM_00108...
- www.hrsonline.org/Find-a-Specialist
- www.smart-heart-living.com/finding-a-cardiologist.html
More Health & Personal Care Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
|
| |
| Today's Featured Cost Articles |
|
|
|
|
Post
