How much does an echocardiogram cost?
How much does an echocardiogram cost?
$500 – $3,000+ average cost without insurance
$150 – $2,000+ average cost with insurance
Average echocardiogram cost
An echocardiogram costs $500 to $3,000+ without insurance, depending on the location and type. With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of an echocardiogram is $150 to $2,000+, depending on the plan details, such as deductibles, co-pays, and maximums. A transesophageal echo or TEE test costs more than a standard transthoracic echocardiogram.
| Coverage / payment method | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance / self-pay | $500 – $3,000+ |
| With insurance | $150 – $2,000+ |
What is an echocardiogram, and what does it show?
An echocardiogram, often referred to as a heart echo or heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. This test helps doctors evaluate the heart's structure and function.
A heart echo shows the size and shape of the heart's four chambers and the functioning of the heart valves. It is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as heart valve disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
An ECG is not the same test as an echocardiogram. "ECG" and the commonly used "EKG" both refer to an electrocardiogram.
Heart echo price by type
There are several types of echocardiograms, each with different purposes and costs:
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) costs $500 to $3,000+ without insurance. This is the most common type of echocardiogram. It involves placing a transducer—similar to what a sonographer uses for a fetal ultrasound—on the chest to capture heart images.
A transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE test costs $700 to $4,000+ without insurance coverage. This echo test is more invasive and involves inserting a specialized probe into the esophagus to get detailed images of the heart.
A stress echocardiogram or "stress echo" costs $600 to $4,000+ and is typically conducted before and after physical stress, such as walking on a treadmill in the facility for a specified time. Like its name implies, this test assesses how the heart functions under stress.
A Doppler echocardiogram test measures the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart. It is often included in other echocardiogram types but can add $200 to $500 to the total cost.
Heart ultrasound factors
Besides the specific type of test, several factors influence the cost of a heart echo test:
Location: Prices vary by region and facility. Urban hospitals may charge more than rural clinics. Technician and cardiologist availability may also impact the cost.
Facility type: Hospitals often charge more than outpatient clinics or imaging centers.
Technological Equipment: Facilities with advanced equipment may charge higher fees.
Specialist Fees: Costs can increase by $200 to $300 if a cardiologist has to interpret the results.
Insurance coverage: The test cost with insurance varies significantly depending on the specific plan, co-pays, and deductibles. Most patients pay 10% to 50% of the total cost. Many facilities offer a reduced "cash price" rate for self-paying individuals.
Always confirm your coverage and options before making your echo appointment. In some cases, your total cost may be cheaper when going to an out-of-network imaging facility and opting for self-pay instead of going through your insurance. However, the price you pay won't be applied to any deductibles.
Additional tests
Depending on the reason for the echocardiogram, your doctor may order other tests to make a firm diagnosis. The following table shows the average cost for several common diagnostic medical tests.
| Test type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Blood work cost | $25 – $125 per test or panel |
| X-ray cost | $100 – $400+ |
| CT scan cost | $300 – $2,000+ |
| MRI cost | $350 – $2,500+ |
| PET scan cost | $1,200 – $6,000+ |
Echocardiogram FAQs
How should I prepare for an echocardiogram?
Generally, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) requires no special preparation. For a transesophageal echocardiogram, your doctor may instruct you to fast for a certain number of hours before the test as they have to insert the transducer through the esophagus to take the pictures.
Is an echocardiogram the same as an EKG?
No, an echocardiogram is not the same as an EKG (electrocardiogram). An EKG—also called an ECG—measures the electrical activity of the heart and helps doctors identify heart rhythm problems. In contrast, an echocardiogram provides a visual image of the heart's structure and function.
An EKG costs $100 to $350 without insurance at a doctor's office or urgent care facility, or up to $5,000 at a hospital.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
A standard echocardiogram typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The duration may vary based on the type of echocardiogram and the specific details needed by your healthcare provider.
How long does it take to get echocardiogram results?
The time it takes to receive echocardiogram results can vary. In some cases, results are available immediately after the test if a cardiologist is present. Otherwise, it may take a few days to interpret the results and report back to you.
Does Medicare cover echocardiograms?
Yes, Medicare covers echocardiograms when deemed medically necessary. However, coverage may vary based on the specific circumstances, the type of echocardiogram performed, and the type of Medicare. Check with Medicare or your healthcare provider to understand the details of your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Tips for lowering the cost of an echocardiogram
Here are some tips to help reduce the cost of an echocardiogram:
Talk to your doctor: In some cases, a doctor may be able to determine the issue with a brief echocardiogram that provides fewer views and measurements than a standard echocardiogram. This modification may reduce the test time and overall cost.
Check your insurance coverage: Verify what your insurance covers and understand your out-of-pocket expenses.
Shop around: Compare prices at different facilities. Independent imaging centers may offer lower costs than hospitals.
Ask about discounts: Some facilities offer discounts for self-paying patients or payment plans to spread out the cost.
Negotiate: Many facilities will work with patients who have high-cost medical bills that they cannot afford to pay. Don't be afraid to ask.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.