Recommended appointment
ECGs must be booked through our online booking link by selecting the appointment type ECG. We perform the ECG at DC Medical Centre and send the tracing to a cardiologist for a formal report.
A resting electrocardiogram, commonly called an ECG, is a non-invasive test that records the electrical signals controlling your heartbeat. A standard 12-lead ECG uses adhesive electrodes placed on the chest and limbs to produce a short recording of heart rhythm and electrical conduction.
Our team performs the ECG at DC Medical Centre, then sends the recording to a cardiologist who prepares a formal report. Your referring or treating practitioner can review the report in the context of your symptoms and medical history. We also accept ECG request forms from external practitioners.
ECGs may help investigate palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, episodes of dizziness or fainting and certain other symptoms, as part of a clinical assessment.
Your GP may request an ECG in connection with some medicines, known heart conditions, cardiovascular risk or a pre-procedure assessment where clinically indicated.
Call 000 immediately for severe or ongoing chest pain, collapse, severe breathlessness or other symptoms suggesting a medical emergency. Do not wait for a routine ECG booking. A single ECG alone cannot safely exclude a heart attack.
You will usually lie on an examination bed. Staff may clean the skin or remove small amounts of hair to help electrodes adhere.
Small adhesive electrodes are applied to the chest and limbs. Relax, breathe normally and remain still while the recording is made.
The electrodes are removed and the ECG tracing is sent to a cardiologist for a formal report, which is included in the ECG fee. The result is then available for clinical follow-up.
An ECG helps assess heart rate, rhythm and certain electrical conduction patterns. It can sometimes show changes suggestive of heart strain or other cardiac problems.
A normal resting ECG does not rule out all heart disease. An irregular rhythm that comes and goes may not be present during a brief test; additional monitoring may be needed.
Different cardiac investigations answer different questions. Your GP will recommend a test based on the condition being investigated.
Read healthdirect's ECG patient guide →A brief snapshot of your heart's electrical activity while resting.
A wearable recording device that tracks rhythm during normal daily activities and may identify intermittent arrhythmias.
An ultrasound examination that assesses heart anatomy and pumping function.
$50 per ECG. There is no Medicare rebate for this ECG fee, so the full $50 is payable by the patient. This fee covers the ECG performed at DC Medical Centre and the cardiologist's written report, which is included at no additional reporting charge.
We also perform ECGs requested by external doctors and other practitioners. Please bring your request form to the ECG appointment so the report can be directed to the requesting practitioner.
For further fee information, see our Fees page. Patients without a Medicare card should confirm the applicable price with reception before booking.
The ECG is sent to a cardiologist for interpretation and a written report. Your treating or referring practitioner then considers the findings and any necessary next steps, such as Holter monitoring or further review.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick test that records the electrical activity of your heart through adhesive electrodes placed on your skin.
Your GP may recommend an ECG when assessing palpitations, dizziness, fainting episodes, an irregular pulse, certain medication effects or other cardiac concerns. The need for testing depends on your symptoms and examination.
Select the appointment type ECG using our booking link. Our team performs the recording and arranges a cardiologist report. We also accept requests from external practitioners.
No. An ECG only detects electrical signals from your heart; it does not send electricity into your body. Removing adhesive stickers may cause minor discomfort or temporary skin irritation.
There is usually no special preparation. Wear clothing that allows access to your chest, bring a list of medications and any previous cardiac reports, and avoid applying heavy creams or oils to areas where electrodes will be attached.
Electrodes need contact with skin on the chest and limbs. You may be asked to adjust or remove upper-body clothing. Staff will explain the process and provide privacy and appropriate draping.
The recording itself takes only a few minutes, although attaching electrodes, preparing the skin and reviewing the findings take longer. Please book the dedicated ECG appointment using our online booking link.
Fasting is not usually required for a resting ECG. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your treating practitioner has advised you to do so.
Although the recording is completed at your appointment, it is sent to a cardiologist for a formal written report. Please allow time for reporting and follow-up with your treating or requesting practitioner; the report is included in the ECG fee.
No. A resting ECG captures a short period of your heart's electrical activity. Intermittent rhythm problems may not appear during the recording, and some heart conditions require other investigations.
No. A resting ECG records a brief snapshot of electrical activity. A Holter monitor records electrical activity over a longer period. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that assesses heart structures and function.
The ECG costs $50 for Medicare card holders, including the cardiologist's written report. There is no Medicare rebate for this ECG fee, so the full $50 is payable. If you have questions about your applicable fee, please confirm with reception before booking. See our Fees page for more information.
Discuss the reason for testing when booking. Your GP must decide whether an ECG is clinically indicated and whether additional assessments, reports or fees are required.
Use the booking link and select ECG. ECGs are performed at our practice and include a cardiologist's report. Bring any request form from an external practitioner. For severe or urgent symptoms, call 000 rather than booking routinely.
