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
New York, NY EKG Cost Average $460 - $1,200
Los Angeles, CA EKG Cost Average $725 - $1,850
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
Phoenix, AZ EKG Cost Average $575 - $1,500
Atlanta, GA EKG Cost Average $450 - $1,150
Washington, DC EKG Cost Average $440 - $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
Weeks Medical Center Lancaster , NH $875 - $1,900
Kosciusko Community Hospital Warsaw , IN $290 - $650
Atlanticare Regional Medical Center - City Campus Atlantic City , NJ $320 - $700
Augusta Health Fishersville , VA $675 - $1,500
King's Daughters' Medical Center Ashland , KY $470 - $1,050
Grand Lake Health System Saint Marys , OH $280 - $600
North Sunflower Medical Center Cah Ruleville , MS $775 - $1,700
Ketchikan General Hospital Ketchikan , AK $1,000 - $2,175
St Marys Medical Center Grand Junction , CO $290 - $625
Sanford Worthington Medical Center Worthington , MN $675 - $1,500
Ascension St Vincent Anderson Anderson , IN $380 - $825
Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County Martinsville , VA $600 - $1,300
Mahaska Health Partnership Oskaloosa , IA $725 - $1,550
Marlboro Park Hospital Bennettsville , SC $725 - $1,600
Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center Cambridge , OH $210 - $450
Christus Spohn Hospital Kleberg Kingsville , TX $925 - $2,025
Stanford Health Care Stanford , CA $875 - $1,900
Christus St Michael Health System Texarkana , TX $500 - $1,100
Hannibal Regional Hospital Hannibal , MO $260 - $575
University of Michigan Health System Ann Arbor , MI $310 - $675
Salem Regional Medical Center Salem , OH $190 - $410
Lancaster Imaging Center Lancaster , SC $360 - $800
Doctors Medical Center Modesto , CA $1,350 - $2,925
Hca Florida Fort Walton - Destin Hospital Fort Walton Beach , FL $1,100 - $2,400
Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston , MA $420 - $925
Cleveland Clinic Cleveland , OH $430 - $950
Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center Las Vegas , NV $1,250 - $2,700
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington , NC $270 - $600
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Crosby , MN $750 - $1,650
Washington Regional Medical Center Fayetteville , AR $300 - $675

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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