About Your Bill: Echocardiogram or “Echo”
We want to help you understand your bill from Seattle Children’s Hospital. Here are answers to common questions about charges for echocardiograms, also called an “echo.”
What are the charges I see on my bill?
When your child has an echo, you may see these charges on your bill:
1. Provider Services: includes the doctor’s services to interpret the echo results.
2. Facility Charges: includes supplies, equipment and staff the hospital provides to perform the echo. There are typically 3 to 5 facility charges for an echo:
- Transthoracic 2-D imaging: shows the size, structure and function of the heart
- Spectral Doppler imaging: provides information about the speed of blood flow in and around the heart
- Color Doppler imaging: shows information about the direction of blood flow in and around the heart
- Myocardial Strain Imaging: shows a detailed analysis of the heart muscle function
- 3-D Imaging: shows the depth and space when looking at heart structures
The total charges for your echo exam will be explained on your bill. The amount you owe will depend on your insurance plan including your deductible, copay, and coinsurance. If you would like to see a cost estimate, we have a tool on our website where you can input some information and get an estimate. Go to seattlechildrens.org and select “Estimate My Cost” from the dropdown menu under “I want to…”
Who do I call with questions about my bill?
Billing and Insurance at 206-987-5770, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What if I am unable to pay?
Contact our financial counselors at 206-987-3333, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can talk with you about options to pay for hospital care, including financial assistance.
Seattle Children’s Financial Assistance is for patients younger than 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho and who meet income requirements. It is based on family size and income, and you may qualify even if you have insurance. Ask for an application at any Seattle Children’s location or visit seattlechildrens.org/financialassistance.