How much does a stress test cost?
How much does a stress test cost?
$200 – $5,000 average cost without insurance
$100 – $2,000 average cost with insurance
Average heart stress test cost
A cardiac stress test costs $200 to $5,000 without insurance on average, depending on the type. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost should be about $100 to $2,000, depending on your plan's co-pay guidelines and deductible. Heart stress tests involve exercise on a treadmill along with an EKG, ECG, or nuclear tracing.
| Payment method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance / self-pay | $200 – $5,000 |
| With insurance | $100 – $2,000 |
What is a stress test?
A heart stress test, or treadmill test, records your heart's activity before, during, and after exercise. A cardiovascular stress test measures your heart’s structure, blood pressure, rhythm, stress levels, and any signs of abnormality.
The test has two parts: a resting phase, which measures the heart while you're at rest, and an exercise phase, which measures your heart’s response to physical activity.
What is a nuclear stress test?
A nuclear stress test, or myocardial perfusion scan, is a type of stress test that uses radioactive material to show blood flow in your heart. A doctor injects a small amount of radioactive chemicals, or tracer, into your arm or hand. The test includes images of your heart as the tracer moves through your veins.
Cardiology stress test cost by type
There are several types of stress tests, each with different methods and costs. The simplest option takes place on a treadmill while hooked up to an EKG (electrocardiogram). Using an ECG (echocardiogram) is more detailed but costs more. A nuclear stress test is the most expensive option.
| Test method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Treadmill + EKG | $200 – $2,000 |
| Treadmill + ECG | $500 – $4,000 |
| Nuclear | $600 – $5,000 |
Treadmill + EKG
A traditional heart stress test includes exercising on a treadmill while being hooked up to an EKG. This costs about $200 to $2,000 without insurance and helps the doctor look for an arrhythmia, artery disease, heart attack, or congenital heart defect.
Treadmill + ECG
Using an ECG instead of an EKG along with a treadmill costs $500 to $4,000. An ECG, also called a heart echo or heart ultrasound, shows the doctor a picture of the heart's chambers and valves. This test makes diagnosing issues easier than an EKG but costs more.
Nuclear
A nuclear stress test, or myocardial perfusion scan, costs $600 to $5,000 and includes an ECG or PET scan. This test also involves exercise but includes the injection of radioactive tracing chemicals to help get a better image and a more accurate diagnosis.
On its own, an ECG costs $500 to $3,000+ without insurance or $150 to $2,000+ with insurance. An EKG costs $100 to $5,000 without insurance, depending on the location.
Stress test price factors
Several other factors influence the cost of a heart stress test:
Facility type: Hospitals usually charge more than an outpatient clinic or imaging center. You might be able to pay less by going to an out-of-network urgent care center or clinic than using your insurance and going to a hospital.
Location: Prices vary by location. Hospitals in urban areas may charge more than small rural clinics. The availability of technicians and cardiologists may also vary.
Equipment: Facilities or clinics with advanced equipment tend to charge higher fees.
Interpretation: The doctor may charge a separate fee for interpreting the test results or making a report.
Insurance coverage: The actual cost of your test will vary significantly depending on your specific plan's co-pays and deductibles. Most insurance policies pay 50% to 90% of the total cost.
If you don't have insurance or have a high deductible, ask if the facility offers a lower "cash price" rate for self-paying patients.
Other tests
Along with your stress test, your doctor could order other tests to help make an accurate diagnosis. The following table shows a few common medical tests and their average prices:
| Test type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| X-ray cost | $100 – $400+ |
| CT scan cost | $300 – $2,000+ |
| MRI cost | $350 – $2,500+ |
| PET scan cost | $1,200 – $6,000+ |
| Blood work cost | $25 – $125 per test or panel |
*Without insurance
Stress test FAQs
How long does a stress test take?
A stress test takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type. The exercise portion of the test only lasts about 5 to 15 minutes.
A standard treadmill stress test with an EKG or ECG lasts 1 to 3 hours.
A nuclear stress test takes 2 to 4 hours, including injecting the tracing chemicals and waiting for them to absorb.
What does a stress test show?
A stress test can help doctors observe your blood flow, heart rhythm, blood pressure, your breathing, and how quickly you experience shortness of breath. They can identify issues or diseases like:
Congenital heart disease
Arrhythmias
Heart failure
Heart valve disease
Cardiomyopathy
How long are you radioactive after a nuclear stress test?
After a nuclear stress test, you will be slightly radioactive for about 1 to 2 days. The tracer will leave your body through urine as you go about your day.
You can more or less resume normal activities after your test, but you should avoid coming into close contact with young children and pregnant women to prevent radiation exposure.
What is a non-stress test?
A non-stress test or nonstress test (NST) measures an unborn baby's heart rate during pregnancy. It monitors activity in response to contractions or movement. This test helps the doctor make sure the baby is healthy and has enough oxygen.
Questions to ask a cardiologist
Before your stress test appointment, ask your cardiologist or technician these questions:
Why is this test necessary?
How should I prepare for the stress test?
Which kind of stress test will you perform?
Is a nuclear stress test dangerous?
What will happen during the test?
What are the potential side effects or risks of a stress test?
What should I do if I experience pain or discomfort during the test?
When will I get the results? Will you interpret them?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Do I need to change or stop any medications before the test?
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.