A coronary artery angiogram uses x-ray and dye to take pictures of your heart arteries to check for narrowing or blockage.  A small tube, called a catheter, is inserted in the groin or arm and guided to the heart. Then a dye is injected to sharpen the pictures of the heart.

The angiogram is an expensive procedure whose cost can be more than double depending upon the hospital outpatient center.  This is an outpatient service and the patient returns home the same day.

An alternative test is coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) which uses a CT scan and dye to take pictures of the heart. This scanning test is much less expensive as it does not require inserting a catheter.  The CCTA often is used if the patient doesn’t have a history of heart disease but has chest pains or other symptoms.  But, a coronary angiogram may be best if there is known heart disease and a possible blocked artery can be treated at the same time.

These are 2023 prices.  Use the link below to see if you can get a current, personalized cost estimate from your health insurer.