The esophagus (American English) or oesophagus (British English), commonly known as the foodpipe or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a fibromuscular tube through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach.he esophagus (American English) or oesophagus (British English), commonly known as the foodpipe or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a fibromuscular tube through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach.
The average price of a standard echocardiogram is $1,400 and this rises to $3,300 for a transesophageal echocardiogram. The cost is usually covered by insurance, although there may be an out of pocket expense of up to $200.
1 For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket cost for an echocardiogram typically consists of a copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. 2  An echocardiogram typically is covered by insurance when ordered to help diagnose or monitor a heart problem, but not as a routine screening test.dditional costs: 1  For a transthoracic echocardiogram -- the most common type -- a technologist places a clear gel on the chest and abdomen and uses a hand-held device called a transducer, which emits sound waves to create images of the heart.