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Accurate Heart Disease Diagnosis And Management With An Echocardiogram in Melbourne

echocardiogram cost melbourne

Accurate Heart Disease Diagnosis And Management With An Echocardiogram in Melbourne

Quality Heart Care: State-of-the-Art Echocardiogram Services in Melbourne

Our team of experienced cardiologists and technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to perform your echocardiogram at Melbourne Heart Care. Our comprehensive echocardiography and other services help diagnose and monitor many different heart conditions.

What is echocardiography?

A standard transthoracic echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves (ultrasound waves) passed through the chest to produce images of the heart. It is a painless and safe ultrasound test that provides valuable information about the heart’s size, shape, and function. A cardiologist uses this information to provide an accurate diagnosis of the condition of your heart.

This test is different to a stress echocardiogram, which uses a combination of cardiac ultrasound, patient monitoring and exercise on a treadmill to help form a diagnosis.

echocardiogram test

A transthoracic echocardiogram uses sound waves passed through your chest that creates an image of your heart’s chambers, valves, blood flow and cardiac muscle to help identify any abnormalities.

How does it work?

During an echocardiogram, a technician places a small device called a transducer (ultrasound probe) on your chest. You will be lying on your side on an examination table, but may need to change position during the test. The ultrasound probe sends sound waves into the chest, which bounce off the tissues (blood and muscle) of your heart. These tissues have different densities that produce images that can be seen on a computer screen.

What does an echo detect?

An echo machine with an ultrasound probe is used to accurately produce images of the structures and functioning of your heart. The high-frequency sound waves used during an echocardiogram show an image of:

  • The size and shape of each heart chamber. The heart has four different chambers in which the echo can show any structural or functional abnormalities.
  • The quality, function, movement and thickness of your heart valves.
  • How effectively your heart is pumping.
  • Any abnormalities in the blood flowing through your chambers and blood vessels.
  • The overall size and shape of your heart.
  • Any fluid that may be in your chest (where it doesn’t belong).

The evaluation of the structures, chambers and function of your heart helps your cardiologist to identify any cardiac conditions and assess the health of your heart.

Why do I need an echocardiogram?

Your doctor may recommend echocardiography if you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs. It is also a valuable tool to help monitor diagnosed conditions or to evaluate the health of your heart prior to surgery.
Echocardiography is used to diagnose and monitor a range of heart conditions, including:

  • Valve abnormalities
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Fluid buildup around the heart
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Heart Failure
  • Hypertension
  • Pericarditis/Myocarditis
  • Damage to the heart muscle post heart attacks

How is an echocardiogram procedure performed?

An echocardiography test takes about 45 minutes to complete and is a painless non-invasive procedure.

What to bring to your echocardiography appointment:

Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking, as well as any relevant medical records or test results, your medicare card, healthcare card and your referral letter.

echocardiogram procedure

You will lie on your side while a technologist uses an ultrasound probe on your chest to take an image, or multiple images, of your heart. You may be asked to hold your breath, or change position in order to get a clearer image of your cardiac structures and functioning.

How to prepare for your echo:

There is no special preparation required for echocardiography. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. You will be asked to change into a patient gown once in the procedure room, usually with ties to the front to allow easier access to your chest to perform the echo.

What to expect during the procedure:

During the procedure, you will lie on an examination table with the lights dimmed so the technician can see the monitor clearly. A technician will attach electrodes (sticky dots that attach to wires) to record an ECG during the echo. A clear gel is applied to your chest and the ultrasound probe is placed on the gel. You may be asked to change positions, breathe slowly or hold your breath to get better images of the heart.

The results:

A cardiologist will review the echocardiography images and provide a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary treatment or follow-up care.

Why have an echocardiogram at Melbourne Heart Care?

At Melbourne Heart Care, we have a team of experienced cardiologists and technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to perform echocardiograms. We offer comprehensive and personalised care to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions. We are committed to providing you with the information and high-quality care you need to improve your heart health or effectively manage cardiac disease.

Contact Us

Please don’t hesitate to contact Melbourne Heart Care’s dedicated team to manage your cardiology care or that of your patients. Appointments can be made by contacting the practice via phone. Referrals can be sent via Argus, Email or Fax.
  • Phone: 03 9592 2177
  • Fax: 03 9592 3177
  • Postal Address: Suite 16, 3 Male Street, Brighton 3186

Where to find us

We provide consultations and a comprehensive range of tests and treatments at our modern facilities, private hospitals or a public hospital near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to common questions about echo tests below.
Yes, Medicare may cover some or all of the cost of echocardiography if it is medically necessary and ordered by a doctor.
Private health insurance plans in Australia may cover the cost of echocardiography tests, but it depends on the specific plan and coverage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm if you are covered. This also depends on whether or not you are an inpatient of a hospital when the scan is performed.
The cost of an echo can vary depending on factors such as the provider and location. The cost may also vary based on whether it is performed in a public or private hospital or clinic. You can contact Melbourne Heart Care for an accurate cost.
Yes, a GP can refer you for an echo if they believe it is medically necessary, such as if you have past history of, or known risks of, heart disease or are showing signs and symptoms of a heart condition.
No, an echo test is not painful. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves from an ultrasound probe placed on your chest. You may feel some pressure from the ultrasound probe, and some people may be asked to hold their breath or breathe slowly which may be uncomfortable, but there should be no pain.
When you get the results depends on how urgent the test (or the results) are. If the cardiologist finds anything concerning your echo they can contact your doctor over the phone to give them a report quicker. Otherwise, the report is usually available 3 to 4 working days after your test.
Echocardiography is generally considered to be a very accurate diagnostic test for assessing heart conditions. If there is any concern the results are inaccurate, you can undergo further tests to determine a diagnosis.
Occasionally a patient may require a needle with their echocardiography test. This allows a clearer examination of a specific structure or function of your heart for a more accurate diagnosis. This will be discussed with you prior to your test.
To organise a cardiac ultrasound you will need either a referral from your doctor or cardiologist. You can then contact Melbourne Heart Care to make your appointment at an available time that is convenient for you.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram test takes approximately 30 minutes. However, you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill in any paperwork and allow time to change into the gown.
Cardiac ultrasounds are considered to be very safe, non-invasive ultrasound tests. This particular test doesn’t involve radiation, which may be a concern with certain other types of diagnostic tests.
Echos are generally considered to be safe during pregnancy, especially as they don’t involve radiation. The risks and benefits will be discussed with you prior to any appointments being made.

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