An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It is one of the most commonly overpriced cardiology procedures because most patients assume they have to go where their cardiologist refers them. In Tampa, rates range from $200 to $2,800 for the same study.
The cardiologist fee and the facility fee are separate
Your cardiologist bills a professional fee to interpret the echo. The facility where the test is performed bills a separate facility fee.
If your cardiologist's office has its own echo equipment, the facility fee may be lower than a hospital outpatient department. Ask whether the echo can be done in the office rather than at the hospital.
Transthoracic vs. transesophageal is a different procedure
A standard transthoracic echo (TTE) is non-invasive, done with a probe on your chest. A transesophageal echo (TEE) requires sedation and a probe down your throat. TEEs are substantially more expensive.
Make sure you know which type was ordered and why. A TEE for routine cardiac evaluation when a TTE would suffice is not just more expensive, it involves more risk.
Stress echocardiograms add another layer of cost
If your cardiologist wants to evaluate your heart under stress, a stress echo is ordered instead of a resting echo. This adds a treadmill or pharmacologic stress component, billed separately.
A stress echo can cost two to three times a resting echo. Confirm which type you need before you schedule.