A Holter monitor monitors your heart activity for up to two days; it is small and similar to a small video camera. Small electrode wires are attached to your skin to monitor your heart rate.
It is a common test for patients with problems of high or low blood pressure; the doctor uses this mechanism to evaluate the times of the day when there is greater variation and determine the root of the problem.
Price of a Holter monitor with insurance
It isn’t very easy to designate an exact price because it depends on each insurance provider, the city where you are located, and the health center where you go for testing. The general cost of the test is between $300 and $1200, but some patients report that it can be higher.
Some patients reported paying $500 even when using their insurance coverage; one New York Times worker said paying $2,200 for the equipment because his insurance plan only covered $100.
Another person with Medicare Advantage insurance was billed for $308, indicating that his insurance only covered $98 of the total price. After all of the above, you can see that the payment will change depending on the insurance, the city, and where you do the treatment.
It is advisable to contact your insurance company and ask for the price of the Holter monitor when using your policy to get a better idea of the issue.
How does the Holter monitor test work?
The Holter monitor works with batteries that will determine the activity of your heart within 24 to 48 hours. The time you will have to be connected to the equipment will depend on your health condition.
The wires will be attached to your skin; the doctor will do this to place them in the appropriate areas to measure the heart rate. The specialist will tell you that you will have to do your daily activities without interruption, while the device will take your frequency at different times of the day.
After a reasonable period, the doctor will evaluate if your medications have the right effect, if your heart is receiving enough oxygen, and know the symptoms presented during the day.
Another important factor is that you cannot take a bath while the equipment is running. It is also significant to avoid X-rays or metal detectors, which could interfere with the results.
Does the Holter monitor test have additional costs?
You cannot think only about the Holter test; within the budget is included the medical consultation and the test results, that is, the payment to the person in charge of translating and delivering them to know what happens or if everything is in order with your heart rate.
Generally, insurance quotes include the full selection, but when there are many variations, you will receive notification from the doctor’s office and the price of the lab tests.
A cardiologist’s reading of the results alone will cost between $300 and $500. If there are any unusual results in the task, you will have to consider the cost of additional treatments, tests, or equipment.
How much does a Holter monitor cost?
Purchasing the monitor is more expensive than expected; the price of this equipment is around $75,000. Of course, if you are a patient with constant cardiac problems, it can be a good long-term investment because you will only have to pay for the consultations.
In these cases, insurances do not usually cover part of the price; each one has its policies and explanations in this regard. Likewise, you can request information from your insurance company.
If the doctor requests the equipment and has the specialist’s order, insurance companies may consider the price and agree with the provider. However, they are not typically responsible for a large part of the payment.