Self-Pay Echocardiogram: How Cash-Pay Exams Work
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It shows the chambers, the valves and how well the heart pumps. If you are paying for one yourself, whether you have no insurance, a high deductible, or simply want to book without waiting on a referral, a self-pay exam keeps the process simple.
What does "self-pay" mean?
Self-pay, sometimes called cash-pay or direct-pay, means you pay the provider directly instead of billing an insurance company. There is no insurance claim, and no waiting for an insurer to approve the exam before it happens.
Insurance plans may require a referral or prior approval before covering an echocardiogram. With a self-pay exam you can book directly. HSA and FSA funds can be used for self-pay exams with Imagine Echo.
Who a self-pay echocardiogram may suit
- People without health insurance
- People on a high-deductible plan
- People who want an exam without waiting for a referral or an insurance approval
- People who want a baseline picture of their heart
- People caring for a parent or spouse at home who would rather not make the trip
What to ask any provider before you book
- Is the price for the whole exam, including the cardiologist's reading of the images?
- Is it a complete echocardiogram, and will I get a written report?
- Who reads the study, and is that physician board-certified in cardiology?
- How long until I get results, and can they be sent to my doctor?
- Are there any extra fees?
How it works with Imagine Echo
- Book online. No referral is needed.
- A sonographer comes to your home. We bring the exam to your home in San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties.
- A board-certified cardiologist reads your study.
- Get your results. Results are ready in 24-48 hours, and we can send the report to your doctor.
For people without Medicare, an echocardiogram with Imagine Echo is a self-pay exam. Imagine Echo is Medicare-approved for echocardiograms, so if you have Medicare, the exam is covered under Medicare's usual rules.
An honest note
A self-pay exam is still a medical test. An echocardiogram shows how your heart looks and works, but it does not diagnose everything, and the results should be reviewed with your doctor. If you have symptoms, talk with your doctor about whether this is the right test for you.
When to get care right away
Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking can be signs of an emergency. Call 911. Do not wait for a test.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book your exam directly online, and we're happy to send your results to your physician.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
Yes. HSA and FSA funds are accepted for self-pay exams.
Does Medicare cover an at-home echocardiogram?
Yes. Imagine Echo is Medicare-approved for echocardiograms, and Medicare patients are covered under Medicare's usual rules. For everyone else, the exam is self-pay.
Where do you perform at-home echocardiograms?
In San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties.
How soon will I get my results?
A board-certified cardiologist reads your study, and results are ready in 24-48 hours.
Ready to book your echocardiogram?
Compare more choices in our guide to echocardiogram options in the San Francisco Bay Area, or read about our echocardiogram service.