You know that feeling… Your heart is pounding after a tough workout or racing before a big moment. That’s normal.
But what about when it happens out of nowhere? A sudden flutter in your chest, dizziness that won’t go away. Could it be something serious?
In that moment, the questions start racing too. Should I go to the ER? Can urgent care handle this? What if I ignore it and it’s something dangerous?
Here’s the good news: you don’t always need a trip to the hospital for answers. In this blog, we’ll help you figure out when an EKG is necessary, whether urgent care is the right choice, and what to expect so you can take the right steps for your heart and your peace of mind.
Who Should Get an EKG?
An EKG or ECG can provide quick, clear answers about your heart health. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to get checked:
- Chest pain or discomfort: Even mild pain can be a warning sign
- Shortness of breath: If simple activities leave you breathless, your heart could be struggling.
- Heart palpitations: Fluttering, pounding, or irregular beats may point to an underlying issue.
- Dizziness or fainting: Sudden lightheadedness could indicate a circulation or heart rhythm problem.
- Family history of heart disease: Stay proactive if heart conditions run in your family.
- Pre-surgery heart check-up: Ensure your heart is ready before a medical procedure
- Starting a new workout program (especially if over 40): Make sure your heart is prepared for the challenge.
If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, urgent care centers nearby can help you out immediately.
For the residents of Indiana and Illinois, you can walk into our urgent care clinic for comprehensive heart exam or an ECG. Our expert consultants are available to help you out!
Urgent Care vs. ER for an EKG: Where Should You Go?
When your heart doesn’t feel quite right, deciding where to go for help can feel overwhelming. Do you head straight to the ER, or can urgent care handle it? Here’s how to make the right call.
When Urgent Care is the Right Choice:
Urgent care is a great option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate heart-related symptoms that need attention but aren’t immediately life-threatening. Consider visiting urgent care if you have:
- Mild to moderate chest discomfort (not severe or crushing)
- Occasional heart palpitations
- Dizziness that comes and goes
- For routine or preventive EKGs (e.g., sports clearance, pre-surgery checks)
When You Should Go to the ER (or Call 911 Immediately):
Some symptoms are too serious to wait. If you or someone near you experiences any of the following, call 911 right away and get to the ER:
- Severe, crushing chest pain
- Sudden loss of consciousness,
- Trouble breathing
- Stroke symptoms (slurred speech, confusion, or weakness on one side of the body)
How Much Does An EKG Cost At Urgent Care In Indiana Or Illinois?
The cost of an EKG can vary across the U.S., but if you’re in Indiana or Illinois, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for the test.
If your insurance plan covers an EKG, you may only need to pay a small copay, or in some cases, nothing at all, depending on your provider and plan.
At Family Urgent Care in Chicago and Schererville, the cost of an EKG without insurance is up to $50 in Chicago and $80 in Schererville.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare, and United Healthcare. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your insurance coverage and any applicable copays.
For exact pricing or insurance inquiries, feel free to contact us today!
What to Expect During an EKG at Our Chicago & Schererville Urgent Care?
If you’ve never had an EKG before, you might feel a little anxious about what to expect. But don’t worry! It’s a quick, painless, and straightforward test that can provide valuable insights into your heart health.
When you arrive at our Family Urgent Care in Chicago or Schererville, our friendly medical team will guide you through the process.
You’ll be asked to lie down on a comfortable exam table, and a healthcare provider will place small, adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to the EKG machine, which records your heart’s electrical activity. The test itself takes only a few minutes. You won’t feel anything except the gentle placement of the sensors.
Once the recording is complete, a doctor will review your results and discuss your next steps. Whether your EKG shows a perfectly normal rhythm or something that needs further attention, you’ll leave with clear answers and peace of mind.
What If Your EKG Is Not Normal?
If your EKG is not normal, our expert consultants will assess your condition and guide you on the next steps. Depending on the findings, we may recommend further testing, provide immediate care, or refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you get the right care promptly.
Benefits of Getting an EKG at Family Urgent Care (Chicago & Schererville Locations)
When it comes to your heart health, timely and accurate testing can make all the difference. Our experienced healthcare providers are committed to offering:
Fast Results: No need to spend hours waiting for results. Our urgent care clinics provide quick and efficient EKG testing, so you get answers right away.
Affordable and Convenient: Hospital visits can be costly, but at our location, you receive high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of an ER visit.
Four Different Locations: We are available in different locations in Chicago (Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square) and Schereville.
Expert Care: Our skilled medical team ensures accurate readings and provides clear next steps, so you know exactly what to do moving forward.
If you’re experiencing chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, or simply need a routine heart check, walk into our urgent care clinic today, no appointment necessary!
FAQS – EKGs
An EKG test is quick and simple. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, but the actual heart recording lasts just a few seconds. During a resting EKG, you’ll lie down and relax while small electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Once your heart rhythm is recorded, the doctor will guide you about further steps.
You’ll typically receive your EKG results the same day as your test. In most cases, the doctor will review the results immediately after the test and explain what they mean. Based on the findings, your doctor will discuss the next steps, whether that means reassurance, lifestyle recommendations, or further testing if needed.
Nope! Just walk in, and we’ll take care of you. But we always recommend booking an appointment so that you do not have to wait in the clinic.
In most cases, insurance plans do cover EKGs performed at urgent care clinics, but coverage can vary depending on your provider and specific policy. Some plans may fully cover the test, while others might require a copay or deductible.
