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
Los Angeles, CA EKG Cost Average $725 - $1,850
Atlanta, GA EKG Cost Average $460 - $1,200
Chicago, IL EKG Cost Average $450 - $1,200
Dallas, TX EKG Cost Average $490 - $1,250
Houston, TX EKG Cost Average $525 - $1,350
Miami, FL EKG Cost Average $550 - $1,400
New York, NY EKG Cost Average $460 - $1,200
Philadelphia, PA EKG Cost Average $600 - $1,550
Phoenix, AZ EKG Cost Average $575 - $1,500
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
Mercy Hospital - Independence Independence , KS $500 - $1,100
Northeast Regional Medical Center Kirksville , MO $525 - $1,150
Hays Medical Center Hays , KS $420 - $925
Cleveland Clinic Cleveland , OH $430 - $950
The Hospitals of Providence - Memorial Campus El Paso , TX $1,050 - $2,325
Columbus Community Hospital, Inc Columbus , NE $430 - $950
Sanford Medical Center Fargo Fargo , ND $180 - $390
Ascension St John Jane Phillips Bartlesville , OK $310 - $675
Yale - New Haven Hospital New Haven , CT $440 - $975
Baystate Medical Center Springfield , MA $370 - $800
Indiana University Health Frankfort Inc Frankfort , IN $800 - $1,750
Henry Ford Allegiance Health Jackson , MI $600 - $1,300
Forks Community Hospital Forks , WA $875 - $1,950
Missouri Delta Medical Center Sikeston , MO $400 - $875
Whidbeyhealth Medical Center Coupeville , WA $875 - $1,950
Frye Regional Medical Center Hickory , NC $440 - $975
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Birmingham , AL $825 - $1,800
Saint Joseph Mount Sterling Mount Sterling , KY $270 - $600
Jackson - Madison County General Hospital Jackson , TN $460 - $1,000
Regional West Medical Center Scottsbluff , NE $525 - $1,150
Marion General Hospital Marion , OH $210 - $460
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Hilo , HI $440 - $950
The University of Vermont Health Network - Alice Hy Malone , NY $220 - $470
Maine General Medical Center Waterville , ME $320 - $700
Alomere Health Alexandria , MN $330 - $725
Wilson Medical Center Wilson , NC $210 - $450
Parkview Medical Center, Inc Pueblo , CO $850 - $1,850
Lake Region Healthcare Corporation Fergus Falls , MN $410 - $875
Covenant Hospital Plainview Plainview , TX $525 - $1,150
Kettering Health Main Campus Kettering , OH $470 - $1,050

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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