Echocardiogram Cost

Echocardiogram is often recommended for people with malfunctioning cardiovascular system. This procedure uses ultrasound to view heart and surrounding blood vessels. A echo stress test is done to detect defects in the working of cardiovascular system. A probe is placed on a patient's chest or inserted down his esophagus in order to take an echocardiogram. Echocardiogram cost is pretty high and is dependent upon several factors. Before finding out the actual echocardiography cost, let us explore the myriad factors which affect the cost of echocardiogram test.

Factors Affecting Echocardiogram Cost

Type of Echocardiogram
As mentioned above, echocardiogram is of two types, one that is performed by placing probe on patient's chest called transthoracic procedure or the other one which includes putting the probe down the esophagus of the patient. This procedure is called transesophageal echocardiogram. Transesophageal echocardiogram is more expensive than transthoracic echocardiogram. Typically, a transthoracic echocardiogram that uses a Doppler may cost you somewhere around USD 500 or more. While a transthoracic echocardiogram costs about USD 1000.

Medications
Oftentimes, medications are used to sedate the patient during the echocardiogram procedure. The cost of these medications is pretty high. Also in case of transesophageal echocardiogram, intravenous injections are given to distinguish the tissue from blood. This makes it easier to read the images.

Technician's Fees
The ultrasound technician who performs the echocardiogram procedure on you charges pretty heavy for his job. The expense for the hi-tech machinery and equipment is recovered from this fee. This is the reason why you are charged more in a hospital than in your doctor's clinic. If you get the echocardiogram test done from a hospital on an outpatient basis, expect to pay at least 20% more than at a doctor's office.

Cardiologist's Fees
The results of the echocardiogram can be read and evaluated by an expert cardiologist only. At times, you might be told that you need to pay additional amount towards radiologist's fees for evaluating the test results. Beware, this could be an attempt to swindle you. It is the cardiologist who reads the test results and not the radiologist. Be ready to spend about USD 200 or more towards cardiologist fees. However, always remember to check the credentials of the cardiologist because the diagnosis is greatly dependent upon the evaluation of the test results.

Hospital Facilities and Location
The location of the hospital and the facilities provided by them forms the major chunk of total echocardiogram cost. A hospital located in an elite area of the city is likely to charge more than one located on the outskirts of city. If the facilities are comparable with the most advanced hospitals, then it is alright to get an echocardiogram done from a lesser known hospital. As mentioned above, you can always get an echocardiogram test done at a cheaper cost at your doctor's office, than at a reputed hospital.

Average Cost of Echocardiogram

Echocardiography cost in the US is about USD 500 to USD 2000. This cost takes into account the expenses mentioned above. The cost variation is mostly due to the geographical expanse and the governing laws of each state. Although, you are likely to get an insurance coverage for the echocardiogram cost, your insurance company may not consider it as a routine examination. As a result, you may have to shell out a large amount from your own pocket.

Thus, it is difficult to estimate the accurate echocardiogram cost. To get the best deal, research a bit in the clinics in your locality or online. However, do remember to check the credentials of the clinic.