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Cardiac Imaging · Echocardiography

Echocardiogram

A 45-minute ultrasound of your heart's chambers, valves and pumping function. No referral needed.

✓Registered cardiac & vascular sonographer
✓ASE Member — Echo Standards
✓Read in an IAC-accredited lab
✓Board-Certified Cardiologist Review
A sonographer performing a transthoracic echocardiogram, the probe on the chest and the heart on the monitor

The Study

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound of your heart that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your heart's chambers, valves, and pumping strength.

There is no radiation, no needles, and no special preparation required. The scan takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed by a registered cardiac and vascular sonographer, with results reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24 to 48 hours. BlackPoint performs this scan at our Falmouth imaging center or directly at your home or workplace — learn how our echocardiogram works.

Who Should Get One?

If any of these describe your last few months, an echocardiogram is the study that looks at why.

It is also worth doing if you have high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, a heart murmur, an irregular heartbeat, or an abnormal EKG. None of those cause anything you would notice day to day. Most of what an echocardiogram catches early is silent.

Not sure this is the right study for you? Compare all six side by side, or take the two-minute health score — it asks about your history and points you to the study that fits.

What to Expect

Simple, Painless, Step by Step

Many people have never had this scan before. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises, no anxiety.

No radiation. No needles. No discomfort. An ultrasound uses sound waves — the same technology used in obstetric imaging. It is entirely safe and non-invasive.

You arrive and get comfortable

Lie down on an exam table in a private, quiet setting. No gowns, no fasting, no preparation needed.

Gel is applied and imaging begins

A certified sonographer gently moves a handheld probe across your chest. Completely painless — similar to a gentle pressure.

Real-time images are captured

The scan takes about 45 minutes and shows live images of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow.

A cardiologist reviews your images

A board-certified cardiologist analyzes your study and prepares a detailed, plain-language report.

You receive your results

Within 24—48 hours you receive a clear, easy-to-understand report. No confusing jargon — just real answers.

What We're Looking For

Conditions This Scan Can Detect

These conditions often develop without symptoms for years. Early detection changes the outcome dramatically.

The Honest Part

If We Find Something

Most people are checked and get reassurance. Some do not — and that is the point of imaging. Here is exactly what happens in that case.

Why BlackPoint

The BlackPoint Difference

Quality cardiovascular imaging shouldn't require a hospital visit, a referral, or a weeks-long wait. Our sonographer performs cardiovascular imaging daily alongside physicians — clinical-grade diagnostics delivered with genuine convenience.

  • Registered cardiac & vascular sonographer — Not just a technician. A registered cardiovascular imaging specialist.
  • Board-Certified Cardiologist Review — Every scan reviewed by a physician who specializes in the heart and vascular system.
  • Results in 24—48 Hours — No waiting weeks. Clear answers delivered directly to you.
  • Our Falmouth Imaging Center — Concierge service at our Falmouth imaging center.
  • Transparent Pricing — $397 all-inclusive in Falmouth. No surprise bills, no insurance delays.
  • No Referral Needed — Book directly and take control of your own health.
★★★★★

“Emanuel was professional and informative. The appointment felt clean, quiet and calming. I was able to get scheduled quickly and received my results the very next day.”

Google review
★★★★★

“He took the time to explain everything he was doing during the procedure, which really helped put me at ease. I received my results within 48 hours, which was impressive.”

Google review
★★★★★

“I was brought in on time and kept informed of what he was doing along with detailed explanations. Results within 48 hours with a follow-up email. Highly recommend.”

Google review

Verified Google reviews from patients across Midcoast Maine. Read all reviews →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an echocardiogram if I have shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath can be caused by reduced heart function, valve disease, or fluid around the heart — all visible on an echocardiogram. If unexplained, worsening, or accompanied by fatigue, an echo gives your doctor a complete picture of how your heart is pumping.

Should I get an echo if I have heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations — a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat — can signal atrial fibrillation, valve abnormalities, or structural issues. An echocardiogram is the standard first step to evaluate the heart when palpitations are present. Learn more: Can an echocardiogram detect AFib?

I was told I have a heart murmur. Do I need an echocardiogram?

A heart murmur should always be evaluated with an echocardiogram. Murmurs can indicate aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, or other valve conditions — none diagnosable by sound alone.

Can I get an echocardiogram without a doctor's referral in Maine?

Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. Book directly online or by phone — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24—48 hours.

How much does an echocardiogram cost out of pocket?

$397 flat in Falmouth — no facility fees, no hidden costs. Most hospital-based echocardiograms cost $1,000—$3,000 without insurance. Book at our Falmouth imaging center in Southern Maine. See what an echocardiogram costs in full.

Can I have a preventative heart ultrasound without any symptoms?

Yes, and that is when it is most useful. An echocardiogram shows how well the heart is pumping, how the valves are moving and whether the chambers have changed shape, none of which a physical exam can see. It is $397 at our Falmouth imaging center, or $597 on-site at your home or workplace anywhere in Southern Maine. You do not need a referral or a reason on paper to book one.

Book Your Scan

Your Echocardiogram Starts Here

$397 all-inclusive in Falmouth. No referral, no insurance, no facility fees. Serving Southern Maine from our Falmouth imaging center.

Echocardiography for patients across Southern Maine: Bath, Biddeford, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook. Studies are performed at the Falmouth imaging center, or on-site at your home or workplace.

Further Reading & References

Can an Echocardiogram Detect AFib? · Echocardiogram Cost Guide · Heart palpitations and echocardiograms in Maine · 8 reasons your doctor may order an echocardiogram · Senior heart ultrasound · Women's heart ultrasound · Free heart health guide

  1. Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO, et al. "2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease." Circulation, 2021;143(5):e72-e227. PMID: 33332149
  2. Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al. "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure." J Am Coll Cardiol, 2022;79(17):e263-e421. PMID: 35379503
  3. Lang RM, Badano LP, Mor-Avi V, et al. "Recommendations for cardiac chamber quantification by echocardiography in adults." J Am Soc Echocardiogr, 2015;28(1):1-39. PMID: 25559473
  4. Doherty JU, Kort S, Mehran R, et al. "2019 Appropriate Use Criteria for Multimodality Imaging in the Assessment of Cardiac Structure and Function in Nonvalvular Heart Disease." J Am Coll Cardiol, 2019;73(4):488-516. PMID: 30744922
Book at Falmouth — $397