How Much Does a Holter Monitor Test Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A Holter monitor is a portable device that measures the heart’s activity for up to 48 hours.  About the size of a small camera, this device will have wires with small electrodes that attach to your skin.  This test will monitor and record your ECG as you go about your day.

Heart Exam ECG by speedoglyn1, on Flickr
Heart Exam ECG” (CC BY 2.0) by speedoglyn1

How much does a Holter monitor test cost?

On average, a Holter monitor test can cost anywhere from $300 to as much as $1,200 for the test without any sort of health insurance.  The cost of a test will depend on where you live and if any insurance is involved.

If you do have a health insurance policy, you will be responsible for your co-pays and deductibles.  For those that do not have a health insurance policy, free comparison sites such as eHealthInsurance.com can show you hundreds of policies.  Even after insurance, it’s not uncommon to receive a bill in the hundreds.

For example, a forum member on BabyCenter.com said she was billed $500, even after her insurance kicked in.

Austin Frakt from the New York Times stated his insurance was billed $2,200 and only covered $100 of it.

On WebMD.com, someone responded to a forum thread and said they were billed $308 for their Holter monitor test and Medicare Advantage paid $98 of it.

The estimates mentioned above will include the initial doctor’s office visit fee to explain how the monitor works, the interpretations in the future, the lab fees and office follow-up visit fee.

Holter monitor test overview

The Holter monitor is a battery-operated device that will measure your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours or sometimes longer, depending on your situation.  This monitor will have smaller wires, which will attach to your skin, similar to the picture above.  As you go about your daily activity, it will record your heart activity and record it inside the device.  Wearing this monitor will help your doctor decide if your current medicines are working, why you may be feeling certain symptoms and/or if your heart is receiving enough oxygen.

During your consultation, a technician will first describe how the process works and how to record your symptoms as you go along your day.  Once you understand how it works, the technician will then attach the electrodes to your chest and the Holter monitor will be turned on.  Depending on the size, you may carry the monitor inside a pouch or it could be slung across your shoulders, similar to a purse.  When you’re sent home, you will perform the same activities; however, you can’t bathe while wearing the monitor and you must steer clear of x-rays and a metal detector.  You will keep an accurate diary, describing when you may have felt any symptoms.  After your time is done, you will return your monitor and your results will be sent off to a lab for analyzing.  It could take upwards of two weeks to receive your results.

What are the extra costs?

Reading the results, especially since it will be sent to a third party most of the time, will be an additional cost to consider.  While our estimates above include everything, don’t be surprised if you get a bill from your doctor’s office and a lab fee.  Holter readings from a cardiologist can cost $300 to $500.

If the readings find abnormal results, then additional tests and/or medicines will be required.  In some cases, for example, a pacemaker may be recommended for some if coronary heart disease is suspected.

Tips to know:

The American Heart Association says a Holter monitor will have no risks and wearing one won’t be painful.  These monitors will have smaller wires that connect to an electrode which is attached to your check to record the electrocardiogram.  Since these electrodes are attached with an adhesive, it may only cause a minor skin irritation.

When wearing the device, it’s so important to keep an accurate diary of any activities as they occur  If you feel any signs of chest pain, fainting, a shortness of breath or dizziness, be sure to note it so they can compare the results of your EKG to your diary time.

How can I save money?

The hospital, as with any procedure, will always be more expensive than an outpatient center or your local doctor’s office.  If at all possible, ask your local doctor where the most affordable option will be available in your area.


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Average Reported Cost: $2482.57

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0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Bbauer (Parlin,  New Jersey) paid $990 and said:

    Was it worth it? Yes

  2. DeAnn (Janesville,  Iowa) paid $1802 and said:

    Hospital billed the insurance $1802.00 for 48 hour Holter Monitoring Ins only allowed $993.00 I was responsible for the whole amount as my deductable had not yet been met.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  3. Us (Norfolk,  Virginia) paid $2295 and said:

    CHKD price gouges. Last years cost for the same test was $385. Let’s hope Aetna enjoys paying for the new hospital decor.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  4. Roger C (Pueblo,  Colorado) paid $3998 and said:

    Was it worth it, NO

    Was it worth it? Yes

  5. Irina (Temple,  Texas) paid $600 and said:

    And this is after insurance. With one monopoly health provider in whole county with no choice. Their own insurance/ Estimate without insurance was $1500+.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  6. Linda (St. Louis,  Missouri) paid $2649 and said:

    Monitor cost $469 for 30 days, reading the results cost $2200. Insurance wont cover it. I am responsible. Outrageous since it was a preferred provider and we got prior approval.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  7. Barb (Rockford ,  Illinois) paid $5044 and said:

    OSF St Anthony Rockford IL charged by insurance $5044 for a 200-500.00 test. I worked a cardiology clinic and know this test does not cost $5000.00! That is more the price of an invasive cath lab procedure such as an ablation.

    Was it worth it? Yes

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