How Much Does a Troponin Test Cost?
The troponin test is a heart attack blood test used to diagnose small degrees of damage to the heart muscle cells, referred to as myocytes.
The chief function of this test is to determine if the chest pain was caused by a heart attack and will be more specific for a heart injury than any other test.
How much does a troponin test cost?
On average, plan on budgeting at least $45 to as much as $95 for the troponin test only without insurance. However, if you were to receive the test at a local doctor’s office, you would need to add a doctor’s office visit fee on top of this fee, bringing the grand total to about $95 to $155.
According to HealthCareBlueBook.com, a direct-to-consumer lab test for Troponin I can cost $26 depending on the location. The blue book states that this pricing is typically for Troponin I test done by a national lab testing company without a doctor visit. The results of the test are usually reviewed by a physician whose fees are already included in the price.
At LifeExtension, the cost of a Troponin I test is $64, with a retail price of $85.
For those who do have health insurance, be sure to check with your provider because more than likely, they are going to cover it as long as it’s medically necessary. If you are in need of a new policy, be sure to browse through hundreds of policies for free at eHealthInsurance.com.
Troponin test overview
There are three types of troponin tests: troponin I, troponin T and troponin C. The more damage the heart has, the higher the levels of troponin T and I will be in the patient’s blood. With results, the normal range is listed as 0.00 – 0.40, and 0.41 or more is technically positive, although very weakly.
This test is designed to help diagnose a heart attack, distinguish chest pain and evaluate a heart injury. Even if the test were taken 24 hours after heart-related chest pain, the tests could still show a positive result for an enlarged heart.
In general, your healthcare provider will want to order this test over the next six to 24 hours after you either had chest pain or heart attack-like symptoms. Your provider may also order the test if you have angina and it’s getting worse.
A troponin blood test entails obtaining a few milliliters of blood taken from a vein. Taking the blood is typically done at least 6 to 12 hours after the start of the chest pain episode or other related symptoms. The procedure entails inserting a needle to draw blood, which is repeated two or more times during the next 12 to 16 hours.
What are the extra costs?
A Troponin test can be conducted with an online kit via an online lab, and the results are typically sent to the patient in a specified time frame. To discuss these results with your doctor, then you need to budget for a future doctor’s visit fee.
Positive results can be due to an abnormally fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, an inflamed heart muscle, heart trauma and more. If you were to experience positive results, then depending on the condition, it’s best to budget for the appropriate treatment course.
Tips to know:
If using an online lab, the results are usually available within 10 to 14 business days from the date the blood was drawn.
Increased troponin levels are not used to detect a heart attack. A physical exam, clinical history, and an ECG are also usually done, along with the test, to determine if the chest pain was induced by a heart injury.
Troponin tests, especially those performed without prescriptions or doctor recommendations, are usually not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.
No special steps will be required prior to the test, according to MedlinePlus.gov.
How can I save money?
An online lab, if you’re just curious about the results, will be the cheapest option; however, as stated, the fees won’t be covered by your insurance company.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
