How Much Does an EKG Cost Without Insurance in 2021?
The average cost of an EKG at urgent care varies by geographic location but is about $205 when paying without insurance. With insurance, you can expect to pay the amount of your co-pay if you have already reached your deductible and your insurance is accepted at the urgent care facility at which you seek care. If you haven’t met your deductible, then you’ll pay about the same as you would without insurance.
A membership with Mira can help you access services at urgent care facilities near you for only $99 per visit. You don’t need to worry about meeting a deductible with a Mira membership and can begin using services as soon as you sign up.
How Much Does an EKG Cost without Insurance
On average, an EKG costs $205 at urgent care facilities; however, prices can range from about $175 to $299. Below we outline the prices for out-of-pocket costs of an EKG at seven urgent care chains. At some facilities, you can be billed separately for a visit fee and the cost of an EKG, so it’s important to ask about how you’ll be billed before receiving the treatment, whenever possible.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Breakdown for EKGs at Urgent Care
Urgent Care | Out-of-pocket Cost |
|---|---|
| MedExpress/ Riverside Urgent Care | $189 total |
| American Family Care | $215 total ($125 office visit + $90 EKG) |
| ProHEALTH Urgent Care | $175 total ($115 office visit + $60 EKG) |
| Patient First | $299 total |
| CityMD Urgent Care | $200 total (note: lab results would be an additional charge) |
| CareNow | $184 total ($150 office visit + $34 EKG) |
| GoHealth Urgent Care | $170 total ($120 office visit + $50 EKG) |
These prices are estimates only and may vary depending on location, insurance status, additional tests, and other factors.
Factors That Affect the Price of EKG at Urgent Care
Several factors may determine how much you pay for an EKG at an urgent care facility. It’s important to understand how the urgent care facility will operate with your personal situation before getting a surprise bill.
The factors that might impact your EKG costs when visiting an urgent care facility include:
- Insurance status: If you do not have insurance, you should expect to cover the full price of your EKG, including the EKG cost and visit cost. Based on our research, the full cost of an EKG and visit is typically around $205 but can cost up to $299.
- Type of insurance: Not all insurance plans will cover the cost of an EKG at an urgent care. If you have a high deductible or catastrophic plan, you may be responsible for covering the entire cost of your visit unless you have met your deductible. If you have met your deductible and your urgent care facility accepts your insurance, you should expect to pay the amount of your co-pay.
- Additional tests: If your provider decides that you need additional tests, such as bloodwork, you will be responsible for these costs in addition to the EKG and visit fee. If the urgent care facility does not use an in-house lab, you may be billed later by the lab they use.
- Prescription medication: If your provider prescribes you medication based on the results of your EKG, you will need to pay for these medications as well. Mira can help you access discount codes to get low-cost prescriptions at pharmacies near you.
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EKG Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s important to understand what an EKG is and when you should get it. Below we go through some frequently asked questions about EKGs, in general, to help you as you prepare for your visit.
What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is a test that analyzes your heart’s electrical activity. This test is done to monitor your heart’s health and detect any complications.
Getting an EKG is a safe and painless procedure. The test is done by sticking electrodes on your chest, legs, and arms. You will likely be asked to lie down on your back for the duration of the procedure, which should only last a few minutes.
When should you get an EKG done?
Many people get EKGs done at routine appointments with their primary care physicians. If you are in good health and do not have any risk factors for heart disease, your provider may not deem it necessary to get an EKG. It is important to make your provider aware of your current medications, symptoms, and medical history to help them determine if it is necessary to get an EKG.
Below are some instances where your provider may suggest getting an EKG:
- If you are experiencing chest pain
- If you are experiencing other symptoms such as extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- To test how a pacemaker is working
- To test if heart medications are working
- If you have an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, or other risk factors for heart disease
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What do EKG results mean?
Normal EKG results indicate that your heart seems to be functioning normally. If your results are abnormal, your provider may suggest doing follow-up tests, such as an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart.
According to Mayo Clinic, the results of an EKG can indicate abnormalities with heart rate, heart rhythm, and heart structure. An EKG can also be used to determine if there is adequate blood and oxygen flow to the heart and damage from a previous heart attack.
Therefore, it is important to discuss the result of your EKG with your provider so they can propose a treatment plan if necessary.
Should I get an EKG at my primary care provider or urgent care?
You can get an EKG at either a PCP or an urgent care facility. If you have a relationship with a PCP and they accept your insurance, getting an EKG at their office may make the most sense. It may be easier for a PCP to analyze your EKG results and prescribe a treatment plan if they know your medical history.
However, you can still get an EKG at many urgent care facilities. Some benefits of getting an EKG at urgent care is that many facilities are open on the weekends, later at night, and may not require an appointment. Getting an EKG at urgent care is likely more cost-effective than going to the emergency room for a routine visit. However, if you are experiencing an emergency or severe symptoms, you should call 911 immediately and go to your closest ER.
How To Pay Less for an EKG
If you do not have insurance or have a high deductible plan, Mira can help you get treated at urgent care facilities, access prescription medication, and get lab tests for a low cost. A Mira membership is only $45 per month, and members can access urgent care services for a co-pay of $99.
You can also advocate for yourself at urgent care facilities to ensure that you are not being overcharged. Below are some questions you can ask to understand how much you will be responsible for paying when getting an EKG at an urgent care:
- How much will the EKG cost?
- Will I need to receive additional tests?
- How much will prescription medicine cost?
- Is there an office visit fee?
- What other administrative fees can I expect?
- Are there alternatives to acquiring an EKG?
Bottom Line
The price of getting an EKG at an urgent care depends on several factors, including your insurance status and the need for additional testing. On average, you can expect to pay $205 for an EKG without insurance, but this cost can vary. A Mira membership can provide peace of mind, as you can get an EKG when you need it at an affordable price.
Alyssa is a Senior Marketing Associate & Content Writer at Mira. She is passionate about educating others on how to affordably access healthcare.
