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
Washington, DC EKG Cost Average $440 - $1,150
Los Angeles, CA EKG Cost Average $725 - $1,850
Phoenix, AZ EKG Cost Average $575 - $1,500
New York, NY EKG Cost Average $460 - $1,200
Chicago, IL EKG Cost Average $450 - $1,200
Miami, FL EKG Cost Average $550 - $1,400
Dallas, TX EKG Cost Average $490 - $1,250
Houston, TX EKG Cost Average $525 - $1,350
Philadelphia, PA EKG Cost Average $600 - $1,550
Atlanta, GA EKG Cost Average $450 - $1,150

Specific EKG Procedures and National Cost Averages

Price Range
Electrocardiogram Cost Average $450 - $1,150
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Featured Facilities that Perform EKG

Name Location Price Range
Campbell County Health Gillette , WY $310 - $675
Mercy Hospital - Independence Independence , KS $500 - $1,100
Indiana University Health Tipton Hospital Inc Tipton , IN $775 - $1,650
Log Mountain Diagnostics Pineville , KY $360 - $775
Summa Health System Akron , OH $410 - $900
Page Hospital Page , AZ $850 - $1,850
White County Medical Center Searcy , AR $360 - $800
Mercy Health System Corp Janesville , WI $280 - $600
Sagewest Health Care Riverton , WY $360 - $775
Opelousas General Health System Opelousas , LA $300 - $650
Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, the Greensboro , NC $350 - $750
Marshfield Medical Center - Weston Weston , WI $825 - $1,800
Audrain Medical Center Mexico , MO $400 - $875
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Ctr Plattsburgh , NY $270 - $575
St Vincent Healthcare Billings , MT $410 - $900
Providence St Peter Hospital Olympia , WA $280 - $625
The Hospitals of Providence - Memorial Campus El Paso , TX $1,050 - $2,325
Baptist Health Paducah Paducah , KY $260 - $575
Lmh Lawrence , KS $525 - $1,150
Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz , CA $1,600 - $3,500
Lexington Regional Health Center Lexington , NE $725 - $1,600
Medical Park Hospital Hope , AR $550 - $1,200
Mayo Clinic Health System Eau Claire Hospital Eau Claire , WI $250 - $525
Piedmont Augusta Hospital Augusta , GA $420 - $925
Enloe Medical Center Chico , CA $550 - $1,200
Chi St Joseph Health Regional Hospital Bryan , TX $825 - $1,800
Forrest City Medical Center Forrest City , AR $280 - $600
Anmed Health Anderson , SC $470 - $1,050
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital Elko , NV $600 - $1,300
Alamance Regional Medical Center Burlington , NC $220 - $470

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.

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