How Much Does Stress Echocardiogram Cost?
Also known as: Stress tte only (CPT 93350)
A heart ultrasound performed before and after exercise or medication-induced stress to evaluate heart function.
Stress Echocardiogram (CPT 93350) costs $185 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $558.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Stress tte only costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Stress Echocardiogram
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Heart ultrasound images are taken at rest, then you exercise on a treadmill or receive medication to stress your heart, and images are taken again to compare.
How Long Does It Take?
60-90 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Chest pain, coronary artery disease evaluation, heart valve assessment, pre-surgery heart evaluation
How to Prepare
Fast for 4 hours. Wear comfortable exercise clothing and walking shoes. Ask about holding medications.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Stress tte only
How to Reduce Your Cost for Stress tte only
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (5.55) x CF ($33.40) = $185
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Stress tte only cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Stress tte only is $185. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $558. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Stress tte only cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Stress tte only can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Stress tte only?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Stress tte only when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.