How Much Does An EKG Cost?

Last Updated on January 9, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is one of the most common tests used to evaluate overall heart health. It measures and records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. But if you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible plan, the cost can be concerning.

In this in-depth article, we will examine how much an EKG costs on average with and without insurance. We’ll look at the key factors that influence pricing, where to find discounted testing, when EKGs are recommended, additional related heart tests, the benefits of EKGs, and more key information to understand this vital heart health screening.

Key Takeaways on EKG Costs and Pricing Factors

To summarize key points about EKG costs:

Without insurance, an EKG averages $100-$200 but ranges from $50 to $300+
The facility, location, and professionals involved impact pricing
With insurance, total out-of-pocket costs often fall between $30 to $150
Compare costs at community clinics, health fairs, and free screenings
Medicare and insurance rules affect costs, so check coverage
Get professional interpretation, as EKGs are difficult to self-read
Look into financial assistance programs if underinsured
Don’t avoid heart health screening due to cost concerns

How Much Does an EKG Cost Without Insurance?

For uninsured patients, an EKG will typically cost between $100 to $200 on average based on national medical fee databases. However, prices can range anywhere from $50 on the low end up to $300 or more depending on the provider, facility, and location.

Here are some of the important factors affecting the total price without insurance:

Geographic region – Prices are higher at urban hospitals vs. rural clinics
Type of facility – More expensive at hospital ERs/cardiology departments than community health clinics
Professional review – Cardiologist interpretation costs extra versus just a technician
Additional testing – Like exercise stress tests or echocardiograms
Hospital reputation – Brand-name hospitals often command higher pricing

Some clinics offer self-pay patient cash pricing around $75-$150. Get quotes from providers in your area to compare rates.

How Much Does an EKG Cost with Health Insurance?

If you have health insurance through private insurance or Medicare, you will pay any applicable copays or coinsurance costs up to meeting your annual deductible limit. After your deductible is reached, you pay a percentage of the costs.

PCP copay – $15-$50 covers just the EKG test itself
Specialist copay – $30-$75+ to see a cardiologist as well
Deductible – You pay 100% until your deductible is met, often $1,000 to $2,500
Co-insurance – 20% of the final bill after your deductible is reached

The total out-of-pocket costs for an EKG with insurance often fall between $30 to $150 depending on your specific health plan’s cost structure and benefits. Always give your insurance details upfront so the clinic can provide an accurate price quote.

Talktomira.com notes that on average, an EKG service costs $205 at urgent care facilities, with prices ranging from about $175 to $299.

Mdsave.com mentions that the national average cost of an EKG is around $109, with prices ranging from $81 to $145.

Livewell.com reports that a basic EKG without insurance can range between $50 and $300, though the actual cost may be higher in some cases.

What Exactly is an EKG (Electrocardiogram) Test?

An EKG, short for electrocardiogram, is a diagnostic test that records the electrical signals of your heart. Small stick-on electrodes are placed on standardized locations on your chest, arms, and legs. The EKG machine detects the minute electrical changes that occur with each heartbeat through these electrodes.

The results are translated into visual lines on a screen or printed onto graph paper in a repeating pattern of waves, segments, and intervals. Doctors examine the printout for abnormalities in heart rhythm, damage to cardiac tissues, and other signs of heart disease.

It’s a quick, non-invasive, and painless procedure taking less than 15 minutes. An EKG gives doctors an inside look at how the electrical system of your heart is functioning to determine if further treatment or testing is needed.

Where Can You Get an EKG Test Done at a Discounted Rate?

If an EKG is unaffordable for you based on the typical pricing above, there are some ways to get it done at reduced costs. Here are a few options to find savings:

Community health clinics – Often provide income-based discounts or sliding-scale fees
Healthcare sharing ministries – Some programs include member assistance
Retail health clinics – Usually cheaper rates than hospital facilities
Patient advocacy groups – Can help locate financial aid programs
Charitable organizations – Some non-profits offer free EKG screenings
Health fairs – Free heart health screenings offered in many communities
College health centers – Discounted rates for students
Negotiating direct cash prices – Ask if they offer any self-pay discounts

Check around your area and compare prices at different facilities. Health testing centers and mobile screening providers may offer lower rates as well.

When Do Doctors Typically Recommend an EKG?

Doctors may order an EKG test if a patient exhibits potential signs of heart disease or arrhythmia, including:

Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
Shortness of breath and dizziness with exertion
A fluttering sensation or “skipped beats” in heart rhythm
Post-heart attack or stroke evaluation
Fainting episodes (syncope)
Electrolyte imbalances
Taking certain heart medications known to impact electrical activity

EKGs are also commonly used as screening tools for pre-operative clearance to ensure adequate heart function before surgeries.

For older adults, annual EKG testing may be recommended as part of regular wellness visits to establish a baseline even without symptoms present.

What Other Tests Are Similar to an EKG?

While an EKG reads the heart’s electrical activity, other more advanced tests can provide additional details on heart structure and functioning:

Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound imaging to visualize the heart. Can identify structural issues.
Exercise stress test – ECG or EKG is performed while patient exercises to reveal abnormalities under strain.
Holter monitor – Portable EKG device worn for 24+ hours to monitor long-term heart rhythms and electrical impulses.
Event monitor – Wearable EKG device that patient activates when they feel abnormalities.
Electrophysiology – Advanced imaging of the heart’s electrical conduction system. Identifies irregular rhythms.
Cardiac CT scan – CT technology produces 3D images of heart structures.

Your doctor will determine the most appropriate heart tests based on your health history and any symptoms present.

What Are the Benefits of Having an EKG Performed?

There are many valuable reasons for having an EKG:

It’s a quick, non-invasive, and completely painless procedure.
Can reveal hidden heart issues not detectable through standard exams alone.
Checks overall heart health as a proactive screening tool.
Helps establish baseline heart activity that future EKGs can be compared against.
Aids in early diagnosis of conditions like coronary artery disease before it advances.
Identifies causes of symptoms like unexplained chest pains, palpitations, or dizziness.
Guides proper treatment approaches when heart problems are found early.

Don’t avoid this potentially lifesaving test due to cost. There are affordable options if you shop around.

How Can I Get My EKG Results Interpreted?

While EKG techs administer the test itself, only qualified physicians can interpret the results and explain the meaning of the various wave patterns.

Many testing facilities have cardiologists on staff who can review and analyze findings. If not, the EKG gets forwarded to your primary care doctor or cardiologist for official reading.

Due to the technical nature of EKGs, the results should always be examined by a doctor specialized in cardiac care to understand the significance of any abnormalities present.

Final Words

While not the most expensive test, EKGs provide critical insights into cardiac health. Protect your heart by understanding the cost factors and utilizing affordable options.