Echocardiograms
"Heart Ultrasound"
Cardiac Echo's do require a Physician Order or Provider Referral prior to exam.
A Physician Order or Referral is required prior to beginning all Medical Ultrasounds
What is a Echocardiogram?
Cardiac Ultrasound is often referred to as a "Heart Echo" or Echocardiography. This is a type of non-invasive ultrasound that evaluates the anatomy and condition of the human heart.
Evaluation of the heart is important when physicians are interested in learning how the heart is functioning; whether blood flow in the heart is appropriate to properly perfuse the body and whether the chambers, valves and overall anatomy is within normal limits.
Indications for having a Cardiac Echocardiogram can greatly vary. Patients with symptoms that may be related to the heart, personal or family history of heart disease, cancer treatment surveillance, pre-operative screening checks, sports physicals and preventative wellness evals are just a few reasons why a doctor might order a heart ultrasound to be done.
Depending on your Insurance carrier or health plan, this type of ultrasound may require pre-authorization or "prior auth" prior to scheduling your appointment for a cardiac echo. Most insurance carriers and health plans do not require pre-auth or prior auth at this time; however each plan is unique and it is worth verifying with your referring provider whether a pre-auth is required. You can also call your particular health plan or insurance company to verify if pre-auth is needed.
Echocardiogram Prep