EKG Cost and EKG Procedures Information

Electrocardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG) is a quick and non-invasive procedure that records the electrical impulse produced by every heartbeat to gain information about a patient's heart such as duration of heart contraction, the direction of the impulse, and the strenght of the contraction. This information is very helpful in determining the overall health of the patient's heart and can be used to identify problems in conduction, rate, or even early detection of a heart attack.

EKG Cost Averages Around the Country

Price Range
Houston, TX EKG Cost Average $480 - $1,250
Miami, FL EKG Cost Average $500 - $1,300
New York, NY EKG Cost Average $430 - $1,100
Atlanta, GA EKG Cost Average $420 - $1,100
Philadelphia, PA EKG Cost Average $550 - $1,450
Phoenix, AZ EKG Cost Average $575 - $1,450
Washington, DC EKG Cost Average $410 - $1,100
Dallas, TX EKG Cost Average $450 - $1,200
Chicago, IL EKG Cost Average $420 - $1,100
Los Angeles, CA EKG Cost Average $675 - $1,700

Specific EKG Procedures and National Cost Averages

Price Range
Electrocardiogram Cost Average $450 - $1,150
Click to find out more about how to use the pricing information shown on this site.

Featured Facilities that Perform EKG

Name Location Price Range
Elmore Medical Center Mountain Home , ID $650 - $1,450
Winona Community Memorial Hospital Winona , MN $340 - $750
Cox North Springfield , MO $260 - $575
Dickinson County Healthcare System Iron Mountain , MI $380 - $825
Florida Hospital Oceanside Ormond Beach , FL $575 - $1,250
Integris Baptist Regional Health Center Miami , OK $420 - $925
Queen of the Valley Hospital Napa , CA $1,100 - $2,400
Fostoria Community Hospital Fostoria , OH $800 - $1,700
Pitt County Memorial Hospital Greenville , NC $350 - $750
Covenant Medical Center Harrison Saginaw , MI $360 - $775
Gaston Memorial Hospital Gastonia , NC $290 - $625
Pocono Medical Center East Stroudsburg , PA $330 - $725
Lewistown Hospital Lewistown , PA $230 - $490
Tahlequah City Hospital Tahlequah , OK $320 - $700
The Toledo Hospital Toledo , OH $625 - $1,350
Saint Joseph Regional Health Center Bryan , TX $825 - $1,800
Raleigh General Hospital Beckley , WV $200 - $440
Huntsville Hospital Huntsville , AL $525 - $1,150
Bakersfield Heart Hospital Bakersfield , CA $750 - $1,650
Mercy Imaging Manhattan , KS $360 - $800
Great River Medical Center West Burlington , IA $350 - $775
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Northwest Seneca , PA $290 - $625
Castleview Hospital Price , UT $290 - $650
Concord Hospital Concord , NH $360 - $800
Lynchburg General Hospital Lynchburg , VA $200 - $430
Morehouse General Hospital Bastrop , LA $430 - $925
Graham Hospital Canton , IL $490 - $1,100
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-all Saints - Spring Racine , WI $320 - $700
Gettysburg Hospital Gettysburg , PA $370 - $800
Kearney County Community Hospital Minden , NE $725 - $1,600

More about EKG Procedures

Electrocardiogram (EKG) Introduction

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a noninvasive test that is used to detect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG is used to determine if there is damage to the heart, if the heart is beating normally, how fast it is beating, the effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker), along with determining the size and position of the heart chambers. The physician may order this test if the patient experiences chest pain, other symptoms or as part of a routine exam in patients over the age of 40. The EKG is a static picture and may not reflect severe underlying heart problems at a time when the patient is not having any symptoms. Other tests that may be alternatives to an EKG or may be used in conjunction with an EKG include an echocardiogram (a sonogram of the heart's pumping action) and a stress test—an EKG that is done in conjunction with treadmill or other supervised exercise to observe the heart's function under stress—may also be performed.

EKG Procedure Patient Preparation

Be sure to inform the physician of all medications being taken, as some can interfere with the test results. Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an EKG may effect the test results. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual. If a stress test is to be performed, patients are asked not to eat for several hours before the test.

What to expect during and after an EKG

You will be asked to lie down on a table. The healthcare provider will clean several areas on your arms, legs and chest and then attach small patches called electrodes to the areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the electrodes have good contact with the skin. The number of electrodes may vary. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin, which allows the electrical impulses of the heart to be more easily transmitted to the EKG leads. An EKG takes about five minutes and is painless. No electricity passes through the body. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. You need to remain still and you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the test. It is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during the procedure, since any movements including shivering can alter the test results. If the EKG is a stress test, you will be exercising or under minimal physical stress to allow monitoring of changes in the heart. In some cases, the areas where the electrodes were applied may become irritated afterward. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly clean the gel from the electrode sites after removal of the electrodes.

In the news

CNN Health The Seattle Times NPR