There are several types of cardiac stress tests, and the price difference between them is enormous. A basic exercise stress test costs $300 to $800. A nuclear stress test with the same cardiologist at the same hospital runs $1,500 to $3,200. The clinical indications for each are different.
Exercise stress test vs. nuclear stress test
An exercise stress test (treadmill EKG, CPT 93015) evaluates electrical activity during exertion. It is appropriate for most patients with a normal resting EKG who can exercise.
A nuclear stress test adds radioactive tracer imaging to evaluate blood flow. It costs three to five times more and involves radiation. It is indicated when the standard stress test would be inconclusive or you cannot exercise adequately. Ask your cardiologist which type they ordered and why.
The cardiologist reads it and bills separately
The facility charges a fee for the equipment, room, and staff. The cardiologist charges a separate interpretation fee.
At some facilities, both charges appear on one bill. At others, you receive two separate statements weeks apart. If a bill seems lower than expected, check whether the interpretation fee is still coming.
Hospital outpatient vs. cardiology office
Many cardiologists perform stress tests in their own offices, which typically have lower facility fees than hospital outpatient departments.
Ask your cardiologist's office whether the test can be performed there rather than at the hospital. The clinical quality is the same and the cost is often substantially lower.