Question:
Should I have a heart EKG test before a low risk surgery if I don’t have any chest pain, difficulty breathing, can walk up a flight of stairs without getting really tired, and am otherwise am in good health?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 6
Amount Saved: $500 EKG cost
MedHead Message:
Save yourself $500 on an EKG if your surgery is considered “low risk”. Sometimes it is needed if surgery is higher risk, such as lung, heart, or kidney surgery. If you can walk up a flight or 2 of stairs without much effort and without feeling out of breath, you likely won’t need an EKG.
References:
1. http://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/acc-ecg-pre-op-screening/ 2.http://health.costhelper.com/ecg.html
