Private Echocardiogram
A heart ultrasound scan reported by a consultant cardiologist. No GP referral needed, and results are usually ready the same day.
- From £350Scan and report, sent to the doctor of your choice
- Within 1 weekMost appointments, depending on clinic
- No referralBook directly. With a consultation from £515
- 30 to 45 minPainless, no needles, no radiation
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, often called an echo, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the heart's chambers, valves and blood flow as moving images, and it is the standard test for checking the structure of the heart and how well it pumps.
It uses sound waves, so there is no radiation, and nothing is injected for a standard scan.
Who is it for?
- Breathlessness, chest discomfort or ankle swelling
- Palpitations or an irregular pulse
- A heart murmur that needs explaining
- Known or suspected valve disease
- High blood pressure, to check its effect on the heart
- A family history of heart muscle or valve conditions
You do not need a GP or NHS referral to book. If you are using private medical insurance, check whether your insurer asks for a referral letter.
What happens on the day
Allow about 45 minutes for the appointment. The scan itself takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Before you arrive
No special preparation. Eat, drink and take your medications as normal. Wear loose clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up.
The scan
You lie on your left side. Gel is applied to your chest and a small ultrasound probe is moved across it to record images from several angles. You may feel light pressure, but it is not painful.
Your results
Dr Balerdi reviews the images and reports the study, usually the same day. The written report goes to the doctor of your choice. If you book the scan with a consultation, he explains the result to you in person.
How much does a private echocardiogram cost?
There are two ways to book. Neither needs a GP referral.
Echocardiogram only, from £350
The scan, reported by Dr Balerdi, with the written report sent to the doctor of your choice, such as your GP or your own cardiologist. They explain the result and look after any follow-up.
Echocardiogram with consultation, from £515
The scan and a consultation in one visit. Dr Balerdi is your cardiologist: he explains the result to you the same day and plans any next steps.
The exact price depends on the clinic, because each venue sets its own facility fee. The price you are quoted when you book is the price you pay.
| Clinic | Echocardiogram only | With consultation |
|---|---|---|
| HullSpire Hull and East Riding Hospital | From £350 | From £515 |
| GrimsbyWolds Medical | £495 | £695One Stop Echo |
| ScunthorpeInspire Health | £500 | Consultation booked separately, £215 |
How that compares with the UK
Published UK prices for a private echocardiogram typically run from about £250 to £600. The lowest prices are often for the scan alone, without a cardiologist's report.
What is included here: every scan is reviewed and reported by a consultant imaging cardiologist. You choose whether the report goes to your own doctor, or whether Dr Balerdi sees you as your cardiologist.
UK range from a comparison of operators' published price pages, October 2026. Clinic prices checked against each venue's price list.
Who performs and reports your scan
Your scan is carried out by an experienced cardiac imaging specialist. Every study is then reviewed and reported by Dr Matthew Balerdi FRCP, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist, GMC number 6077164.
Dr Balerdi specialises in cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, stress echocardiography and cardiac CT. Read his full profile.
Stress echocardiogram
A stress echo records ultrasound images of the heart at rest and again under exertion. It is used to look for reduced blood supply to the heart muscle when symptoms such as chest pain come on with effort.
- From £1,200
- Performed at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital
- Takes 45 to 60 minutes
What patients say about their echocardiogram
Dr Balerdi conducted the echo himself (rather than relying on a technician) and gave a clear explanation of the findings.
During the echocardiogram he talked to me of his findings the whole time and thankfully it was all normal. Afterwards he talked me through about how to manage my condition going forward.
He again gave me a full explanation of the findings in a very clear and easily understood manner that fully relieved all the anxiety that I had regarding my heart murmur.
I found Dr Balerdi very thorough and the report I received was excellent. My whole experience of Wolds Medical was first class.
Excerpts from reviews left by patients of Dr Balerdi. Read reviews on Doctify.
Where you can be seen
Three clinics serving North and North East Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, including Scunthorpe, Brigg, Grimsby, Goole and Doncaster.
Scunthorpe
Inspire Health
- Address
- 74 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7PG
- Clinic day
- Tuesday, 10:30am to 4:00pm
- Parking
- Limited free parking on site, with street parking and car parks nearby. 4 minutes' walk from the railway station.
- Phone
- 01724 413333
Grimsby
Wolds Medical
- Address
- Wolds Medical, Grimsby
- Clinic day
- Wednesday, 12:30pm to 5:00pm
- Parking
- Free parking on site
- Phone
- 01472 245075
Hull
Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital
- Address
- Lowfield Road, Anlaby, Hull HU10 7AZ
- Clinic day
- Monday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Parking
- Free parking on site
- Phone
- 01482 659471
Common questions
How much does a private echocardiogram cost?
A private echocardiogram with Dr Balerdi costs from £350 at Spire Hull, £495 at Wolds Medical in Grimsby and £500 at Inspire Health in Scunthorpe. That covers the scan and a consultant cardiologist's report, sent to the doctor of your choice. With a consultation, so that Dr Balerdi is your cardiologist, it costs from £515. Published UK prices typically run from about £250 to £600.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You do not need a GP or NHS referral for a private echocardiogram. You can book directly, and choose which doctor receives the report. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may ask for a referral letter, so check with them first.
Can you eat before an echo?
Yes. For a standard echocardiogram you can eat, drink and take your medications as normal. No fasting or blood tests are needed. Wear loose clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up.
How often should you get an echo?
It depends on why you are having one. If your heart is structurally normal and your symptoms have not changed, a routine repeat is not usually needed. People with a known condition such as valve disease, heart failure or a family history of cardiomyopathy are often rescanned at intervals set by their cardiologist. Dr Balerdi will tell you whether and when a repeat scan is worthwhile.
How long does an echocardiogram take?
The scan takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow around 45 minutes for the whole appointment.
Is an echocardiogram painful?
No. It is an ultrasound scan with no needles and no radiation. You may feel light pressure from the probe on your chest.
How soon can I be seen?
Most appointments can be scheduled within 1 week, depending on the clinic. This is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain or severe breathlessness now, call 999.
Medically reviewed by Dr Matthew Balerdi FRCP, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist (GMC 6077164). Last reviewed: 13 November 2026.
Book your private echocardiogram
No GP referral needed. Most appointments within 1 week, with a consultant cardiologist's report.