Few things are as important as the health of your heart. To safeguard your cardiac health, it’s wise to know where to get important medical tests like electrocardiograms (EKGs).
What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that monitors heart function. By measuring the heart’s electrical activity, an EKG creates a record of the way your heart beats. A medical professional canidentifypotential heart issues by interpreting the results of the EKG.
When is an EKG necessary?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that mightindicateheart problems, an EKG may be recommended by your medical provider. Chest pain, arrhythmia and heart palpitations are some of the symptoms that couldindicatea need for an EKG. An electrocardiogram can help your healthcare provider diagnose a range of heart conditions.
At your local urgent care center, a medical provider will assess your symptoms anddetermineif an EKG is necessary.
Jenilee Foster, director of education and training at WellNow Urgent Care, says, “Our providers are trained to recognize signs of potential heart issues and advise if testing is needed. Using tests like EKGs and considering your symptoms and medical history, your provider can begin building an overall picture of your cardiac health. They can then recommend treatments, provideadditional testing, or make a referral to a specialist.”
Can I get an EKG at an urgent care center?
Many urgent care providers offer electrocardiograms, including WellNow Urgent Care. Our care centers are up to date with the most advanced medical technologies available. That means you can get a medical consultation and EKG at anyWellNow Urgent Care Location.
Do I have to make an appointment to get an EKG?
At WellNow Urgent Care centers, no appointments are necessary for an EKG. You can either walk in without an appointment, orreserve your spotfor your examination.
How long does it take to get an EKG through urgent care?
While many patients face long wait times to get an appointment with their regular doctors, most patients who visit our urgent care facilities can get their EKG the same day. This flexibility makes urgent care a convenient choice for many individuals.
How much does it cost to get an EKG at an urgent care center?
If you have health insurance, WellNow works with all plans. Simply check with your insurance provider to find out what yourcopayis.
For self-paypatients, the cost of an EKG at WellNow Urgent Care is $165. This includes all services you receive during your visit, such as your medical consultation, testing and interpretation of EKG results.
Why should I choose urgent care for my EKG?
Your health should always be the top priority. Urgent care centers make getting the right care more affordable and accessible. With walk-in availability and experienced medical providers, you can receivetimelytreatment for your heart issues.
How can I find an urgent care center that offers EKGs?
To find an urgent care clinic that offers EKGs, look no further than WellNow Urgent Care. We have more than 200 urgent care centers equipped with the right professionals and equipment to treat your medical needs.
When should I go to an emergency room for heart symptoms instead of urgent care?
While urgent care centers can handle many health concerns, medical emergencies require a hospital. If you're experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest, call 911immediately.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
Chest pain or discomfort:An uncomfortable sensation may appear in the center of the chest or upper abdomen. It may feel like squeezing, burning, fullness, heaviness or pressure.
Upper body discomfort:Pain or discomfort may occur in the jaw, neck, back, arms or stomach.
Shortness of breath:You may experience shortness of breath, which can happen by itself or with chest discomfort.
Other symptoms:You may feel nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, sweaty or extremely tired.
Signs of a stroke can be remembered by the acronym FAST:
Face:One side of the face may droop or become numb.
Arms:One arm may become weak or numb. You may be unable to lift one arm, or it may drift back downward after lifting it.
Speech:Speech may be slurred or jumbled.
Time:If any of the above symptoms occur, time is of the essence. Call 911immediately.
Symptoms of cardiac arrest include:
Collapsing
Losing consciousness
Unresponsiveness
Lack of normal breathing
Heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest are life-threatening medical emergencies. They must be treatedimmediatelyat the hospital. Call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms.
Where can I learn more about heart health?
You can learn more about heart disease and how to protect your cardiac health from theAmerican Heart Association.
For heart concerns and many other conditions, WellNow Urgent Care is a trusted partner in your health. If you have symptoms that concern you, visit yournearest WellNow Urgent Care Locationtoday or start a virtual visit.
WellNow Urgent Care is a series of urgent care clinics and virtual care serving the Midwest and Northeastern United States in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.
