Holter Monitor Test Cost

Last Updated on September 13, 2021
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A Holter monitor is a portable gadget that measures the heart’s activity for as much as 2 days. About the size of a smaller video camera, this gadget will have wires with little electrodes that connect to your skin. This test will keep track of and record your ECG as you take on your day.

Just how much does a Holter monitor test cost?

Usually, a Holter monitor test can cost anywhere from $300 to as much as $1,200 for the test with no sort of medical insurance. The expense of a test will depend upon where you live and if any insurance plan is included.

You might also like our articles about the cost of TB tests at CVS, EMG tests, or Annual Physical Exams.

If you do have a health insurance plan, you will be accountable for your co-pays and deductibles. For those that do not have a medical insurance policy, free comparison websites can show you the difference between multiple policies. Even after insurance, it’s not unusual to get a quote in the hundreds.

For instance, a forum member on BabyCenter.com noted that they were billed $500, even after their insurance coverage was taken into account.

Austin Frakt from the New York Times stated that he was billed $2,200 and his insurance plan only covered $100 of it.

On WebMD.com, somebody replied to a forum thread and noted that they were billed $308 for their Holter monitor test and Medicare Advantage paid $98 of the full price.

The price quotes discussed above will consist of the preliminary physician’s office consultation charge to see exactly how the monitor works, the analyses in the future, the lab tests costs, and office follow-up visit price.

Holter monitor test explained

The Holter monitor is a battery-operated gadget that will determine your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours or often longer, depending upon your particular situation. This screen will have smaller-sized wires, which will get attached to your skin. As you go about your day-to-day activities, it will record your heart activity and keep it inside the gadget. Using this screen will aid your doctor to find out if your current medications are working, why you might be having particular symptoms, and/or if your heart is getting enough oxygen.

Throughout your consultation, a specialist will first explain how the procedure works and how to record your symptoms as you go along your day. When you will understand how it works, the specialist will then attach the electrodes to your chest and the Holter screen will be switched on. Depending upon the size, you might bring the display inside a pouch or it could be slung across your shoulders, similar to any bag. When you’re going home, you will be able to carry out the same activities as before; nevertheless, you can’t bathe while using the monitor and you should avoid x-rays and any metal detectors. You will keep an exact journal, writing when you might have felt any weird symptoms. After your time is done, you will return your monitor and your results will be sent to a laboratory for checking. It might take upwards of 2 weeks to get your results.

What are the additional expenses?

Reading the results, especially given that it will be sent out to a 3rd party the majority of the time, will be an extra expense to think about. While our quotes above consist of everything, do not be shocked if you get a charge from your doctor’s office and a different lab tests cost. Holter readings from a cardiologist can cost $300 to $500.

If the readings stumble upon unusual results, then extra tests and/or medications will be needed. In many cases, for instance, a pacemaker might be recommended for some if coronary cardiovascular disease is the problem.

Tips to keep in mind

The American Heart Association notes that a Holter monitor will have no risks and using one will not hurt. These monitors will have smaller-sized wires that connect to an electrode that is attached to your chest to record the electrocardiogram. Considering that these electrodes are attached with an adhesive, it might just lead to a small skin inflammation.

When using the gadget, it’s very important to keep an exact journal of any changes as they occur If you feel any indications of chest discomfort, fainting, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, make sure to note them so they can compare the results of your EKG to your journal time.

How can you save some money?

The healthcare facility, just like with any other treatment, will always be more costly than an outpatient center or your regional physician’s office. If at all possible, ask your local doctor where the most budget-friendly alternative will be offered in your area.