All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity. It takes about ten minutes, nothing is delivered to you, and it is genuinely useful — provided it is read as one snapshot rather than a clean bill of health.
Chest pain is not a bookingChest pain or tightness, pain spreading to the jaw or arm, severe breathlessness, sweating with chest discomfort, or fainting. Call 000. Do not drive yourself and do not wait for an appointment. An ambulance can start treatment on the way and can record an ECG at your door.
Ten sticky electrodes on the chest, arms and legs record the heart's rhythm and electrical conduction. Nothing is put into you and nothing is felt. It takes about ten minutes including getting set up.
An ECG is very good at showing rhythm problems that are happening at that moment, evidence of a previous heart attack, and certain electrical abnormalities. It is far less good at ruling things out — an intermittent rhythm problem will not show if the heart is behaving during the recording, and a normal ECG does not exclude narrowed arteries.
Palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort on exertion, as part of a heart health check, before surgery, or when starting certain medicines.
Will it show if my arteries are narrowed?
Not reliably. That usually needs a stress test or imaging, arranged by referral.
What if mine is normal but I still have symptoms?
Then the symptoms are still the important information. A normal ECG does not close the question.
What it picks up
Rhythm right now
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What it picks upRhythm right now
Atrial fibrillation and other rhythms present during the recording.
What it picks up
Past heart attack
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What it picks upPast heart attack
Electrical changes left behind by previous damage.
What it picks up
Conduction problems
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What it picks upConduction problems
Blocks and delays in the heart's wiring.
What it picks up
Some medicine effects
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What it picks upSome medicine effects
Certain medicines require an ECG before or during treatment.
What it cannot show
Intermittent problems
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What it cannot showIntermittent problems
If the rhythm is normal during the test, it looks normal. A monitor may be needed.
What it cannot show
Narrowed arteries
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What it cannot showNarrowed arteries
A normal ECG does not exclude coronary disease. Symptoms still matter.
An ECG is one part of a heart check.Blood pressure, cholesterol and your symptoms all matter as much as the tracing.
Lie down,stay still.
You will need to expose your chest, so a top that is easy to remove helps. Women are offered a gown and a chaperone.
No. The electrodes are stickers. Removing them is the only mildly uncomfortable part.
Do I need to prepare?
No fasting and no preparation. Avoid heavy moisturiser on your chest that day, as electrodes stick less well.
How soon do I get the result?
Usually in the same appointment. Anything concerning is acted on immediately.
1BookSay it is for an ECG so the right time is set aside.Book ahead
2Getting set upTen electrodes on chest, arms and legs. A gown and chaperone are offered.5 minutes
3The recordingLie still and breathe normally for about 30 seconds.Under a minute
4The resultUsually reviewed in the same appointment, with referral if anything needs it.Same visit
ECG on site
Ten minutes
Painless
Heart health checks
Pre-operative assessment
Palpitations & dizziness
Bulk billed
Results same visit
ECG on site
Ten minutes
Painless
Heart health checks
Pre-operative assessment
Palpitations & dizziness
Bulk billed
Results same visit
ECG on site
Ten minutes
Painless
Heart health checks
Pre-operative assessment
Palpitations & dizziness
Bulk billed
Results same visit
ECGquestions, answered.
Does an ECG hurt?
No. It records only — nothing is delivered to you.
How long does it take?
About ten minutes including set-up.
Do I need to fast?
No preparation is needed.
Is it bulk billed?
Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
Can it rule out a heart attack?
No. A normal ECG does not exclude one. Chest pain means calling 000.
What if my rhythm problem comes and goes?
A longer monitor may be arranged so the heart is recorded over days rather than seconds.
Do I need a referral?
No. Your GP can arrange it here.
Will I get a copy?
Yes, on request, and it is sent on when you see a specialist.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.