Bulk-Billed Echo & Stress Echo: Quality Heart Testing Without the Cost

Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram

Your heart health shouldn’t come with unexpected expenses. At Life Medical Imaging, we offer bulk-billed Echocardiograms (Echo) and Stress Echocardiograms (Stress Echo) for eligible patients — making essential heart testing accessible, local, and affordable for the Central Coast community.

With no out-of-pocket cost, convenient local clinics, choice of cardiac sonographer, and appointments available, Life Medical Imaging supports patients and referring doctors with high-quality cardiac imaging close to home.

What Is an Echocardiogram (Echo)?

An echocardiogram, commonly known as an Echo, is a non-invasive ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to create real-time images of your heart as it beats.

An Echo allows your doctor to assess:

  • Heart size and structure
  • Heart muscle function
  • Heart valve movement
  • Blood flow through the heart

There is no radiation, the test is painless, and you can return to normal activities straight after your appointment.

What Is a Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)?

A Stress Echo assesses how your heart performs under stress, usually through gentle exercise on a treadmill. Images are taken both before and after exercise, allowing doctors to compare heart function at rest and during exertion.

Stress Echo is particularly useful when clinically indicated, especially when symptoms occur during physical activity rather than at rest.

Why Your Doctor May Refer You for Cardiac Ultrasound

Your GP or specialist may recommend an Echo or Stress Echo if you have:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Heart murmurs
  • Dizziness or unexplained fatigue
  • Known heart conditions requiring monitoring
  • A family history of heart disease

All cardiac ultrasound investigations are performed following referral and when clinically indicated.

Bulk Billing – A Major Point of Difference

Life Medical Imaging bulk bills Echo and Stress Echo for eligible patients with a valid referral and Medicare card.

This means:

  • No out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients
  • No unexpected fees
  • Affordable access to essential heart testing

Bulk billing helps ensure important cardiac investigations aren’t delayed due to cost.

Convenient Local Locations

Cardiac Echo and Stress Echo appointments are available at:

  • Umina Beach
  • Erina
  • Bateau Bay

There’s no need to travel out of the area for high-quality cardiac testing.

Choice of Female or Male Cardiac Sonographers

We understand that comfort and privacy matter. Life Medical Imaging offers both female and male cardiac sonographers, allowing patients to feel at ease during their examination.

Our cardiac sonographers are experienced, professional, and committed to delivering high-quality imaging.

Appointments Available

We currently have appointments available (subject to referral and clinical priority), helping patients receive timely assessment and supporting early diagnosis where appropriate.

What to Expect on the Day

  • Bring your referral and Medicare card
  • A cardiac sonographer will guide you through the test
  • The examination is non-invasive and performed in a comfortable setting
  • Images are reviewed and reported by a specialist
  • Results are sent directly to your referring doctor

Book Your Echo or Stress Echo

If your GP or specialist has referred you for cardiac ultrasound, Life Medical Imaging offers a trusted local service with real benefits:

  • Bulk-billed cardiac investigations
  • Convenient Central Coast locations
  • Choice of female or male sonographer
  • Appointments available
  • Friendly, experienced team

Call the team at Life Medical Imaging on 4326 7000

Contact our friendly and experienced team today!