You have probably seen in hospitals machines next to someone’s bed that makes frequent beep noises with a line that rises and falls. Those machines are called EKGm, and they are a necessity for hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and doctors to measure heart rate. So what is an EKG? And how much does it cost?
What is EKG
Electrocardiogram or EKG for short is a device that creates a graph of voltage versus time of your heart’s electrical activity. This device uses ten electrodes that are placed on different parts of your skin. These electrodes can detect electric changes following the cardiac muscle’s contraction and expansion.
EKGs have an important usage in Electrocardiography, which is a process that detects abnormal heart activities, blocked or narrow arteries, dating previous heart attacks, and testing the efficiency of heart disease treatments like a Pacemaker…. Cardiologists (heart experts) recommend taking Electrocardiography if you feel any of the following symptoms;
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion.
- Heart palpitations (The feeling of your heart skipping or adding a beat)
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Inability, weakness, or fatigue to exercise.
To prepare for an EKG test, you will need to avoid using any oil, fatty, and greasy skin creams and lotions on the day of the test. Wear easily removable shirts and pants or leggings. If you’re a male, you may need to shave your chest hair.
On the day of the test, a technician attaches 10 electrodes with adhesive pads on your chest, legs, and arms. You will lie flat on your back while a computer creates graphs based on signals picked up from the electrodes.
This process takes 10 minutes, and it is painless. Laying on a bed while on an EKG is known as “resting EKG.” On the other hand, you may be required to exercise or run while having an EKG attached, also known as an “active EKG.”
Your doctor keeps the results in a file to compare them to future graphs.
EKGs come in many types depending on your condition
Holter monitor
It is a portable EKG that detects your heart rate 24 hours for 1 or 2 days. Your doctor might suggest this device for abnormal heart rhythm, heart palpitations, and insufficient blood flow to your cardiac muscle.
You are allowed to exercise, walk, and jog. Remember that you need to avoid getting the device, electrodes, and patches wet as it permanently damages it.
Event monitor
This EKG has a button that needs to be pressed to record heart signals. Doctors will recommend this for irregular symptoms that come now and then. It would help if you pressed the button when you feel the symptoms and those devices need to be attached for more than 30 days. The results are sent to your doctor for them to interpret.
The results of EKGs depend on the graph and its shapes. Doctors can recommend treatments the same day the tests are made. You might also be required to take more EKGs or tests to help identify your conditions properly.
EKG cost without insurance
EKG costs are associated with two factors that are the test itself and analysis of the results. Uninsured patients can expect to pay up to $3000 for an EKG. Depending on the location and facility, clients should anticipate $1500 on average.
EKG cost with insurance
Most Insurance providers contribute to coverage for EKGs test costs. Typically, clients will be granted Copay and a reduction of %80-%100 in costs. This can result in paying $30 to $100. If you want to know which insurance companies cover EKGs, you can Talk to our experts free of charge.
EKGs are essential for detecting cardiac issues. Furthermore, they are quick, painless, and efficient. Thanks to this life-saving technology, doctors can diagnose you accurately and recommend the proper treatments.
