Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Cardiac Stress Test Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Treadmill Stress Test (exercise) | $500 – $1,500 | $100 – $300 |
| Nuclear Stress Test | $1,500 – $3,000 | $300 – $600 |
| Stress Echocardiogram | $800 – $2,500 | $150 – $500 |
| Pharmacologic Stress Test (chemical) | $1,000 – $2,500 | $200 – $500 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 93015
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as diagnostic for chest pain, shortness of breath, and cardiac evaluation
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A basic treadmill stress test costs $500-$1,500. A nuclear stress test costs $1,500-$3,000 because it includes radioactive tracer imaging. A stress echocardiogram costs $800-$2,500. With insurance, expect $100-$600.
Yes, when ordered to evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal EKG. Prior authorization may be required for nuclear and echocardiographic stress tests. Routine screening stress tests may not be covered.
A regular stress test only monitors your EKG during exercise. A nuclear stress test adds imaging with a radioactive tracer to show blood flow to the heart, detecting blockages that a regular stress test might miss.