Question 1

Is this the same monitor I'd get from a cardiologist?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we use the exact same Zio® patch technology that cardiologists order. The difference? You get it in days, not months.

Question 2

What's included in the $99?

Accepted Answer

Everything a cardiologist would do: your initial consultation, the physician review of your results, and a clear explanation of your heart rhythm. The Zio® patch itself is billed to your insurance (we handle this for you).

Question 3

How long does it take to receive the monitor?

Accepted Answer

The Zio® patch ships to your door by mail. Most orders arrive within 2–3 days.

Question 4

How long does monitoring take?

Accepted Answer

You'll wear the comfortable, waterproof patch for up to 14 days. It captures way more data than a quick EKG at the doctor's office. After you mail it back, a physician reviews your data and provides a detailed report.

Question 5

Do I have to wear the patch for 14 days?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The Zio® patch can be worn for as little as 2 days, but the longer you wear it, the more likely it is to catch any irregular heart rhythms. Most patients wear it for 7-14 days to ensure comprehensive monitoring. Whenever you feel ready, you can mail it back, and we'll analyze the data.

Question 6

What can the Zio® patch detect?

Accepted Answer

The Zio® patch can detect a wide range of heart rhythm issues, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), skipped beats, premature beats, and other arrhythmias. It provides a detailed report that helps you understand what's going on with your heart.

Question 7

How do you get the data from the device? Is anything transmitted wirelessly?

Accepted Answer

Nothing is transmitted over radio or Bluetooth. The device records your heart rhythm continuously and stores the data internally. After your monitoring period, you simply mail it back — the data is then analyzed. Return shipping is included, so you don't pay anything extra to send it back.

Question 8

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

No problem — you can still get tested. The self-pay price for the monitor is $349, plus the standard $99 consultation fee.

Question 9

What if I already had a normal EKG?

Accepted Answer

EKGs only capture a few seconds of data. The Zio® patch monitors continuously for up to 14 days, catching irregular rhythms that brief EKGs often miss.

Question 10

Can I do this without a referral?

Accepted Answer

Yes! No referral needed. Our medical team will evaluate your symptoms and determine if heart monitoring is appropriate for you.

Question 11

How does the consultation work?

Accepted Answer

Complete the intake, and a physician will respond via chat or email. In some states, you may receive a brief phone call to confirm details.

Question 12

Does my insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

Zio® patch is covered by most insurance throughout the United States, including commercial insurance and Medicare. We'll check your insurance status as part of the intake and let you know if there's a co-pay. Not happy with your copay? We'll cancel and refund your $99 no questions asked.

Question 13

Who manufactures the Zio® patch?

Accepted Answer

The Zio® patch is designed, manufactured, and shipped by iRhythm Technologies, Inc.—the company that invented it. Heart Hippo is an independent telehealth group; we're not affiliated with, endorsed by, or owned by iRhythm. Our role is to make getting a Zio® patch simple and fast from home: we connect you with a licensed physician who can order the device and review your results. Zio® is a registered trademark of iRhythm Technologies, Inc.

Question 14

Is this the same as a Holter monitor?

Accepted Answer

A Holter monitor is the traditional term for long-term cardiac monitoring. You might have heard your doctor refer to the need for a "Holter" monitor. Often misspelled as Holder or Halter, it's named after its inventor, Dr. Norman Holter.

A Zio® patch is preferred by most patients to a traditional Holter monitor—it's much more comfortable and gives more complete data:

Zio® Patch (by iRhythm):
• Small, water-resistant adhesive patch worn on the chest
• Up to 14 days continuously
• No wires, more comfortable, can shower with it
• Higher diagnostic yield for intermittent arrhythmias due to longer wear time

Traditional Holter Monitor:
• Small device with electrodes and wires attached to the chest
• Usually 24–48 hours
• Bulky, can't shower, often taped awkwardly
• Shorter monitoring window may miss irregular rhythms

The #1 Heart Monitor Used by Cardiologists — No Office Visit Needed

Step 1: Tell us what's happening

5-minute symptom intake

Medical team review

Fast response

Step 2: We ship a heart monitor to your door

Clinical-grade technology

Fast shipping

Insurance handled

Step 3: Get real answers

14 days of monitoring

Waterproof & comfortable

Clear results

Pricing

Get answers about your heart

Frequently Asked Questions

Listen to your heart

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