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

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

You'll make two payments. Heart Hippo charges $199, one time, paid at checkout — that covers the doctor who orders your monitor and interprets your report, and it's the only bill you'll ever get from us.

The Zio® monitor itself is billed separately to your insurance by iRhythm, its maker; most patients end up paying $0–$395, depending on their plan. If you want to confirm your exact cost beforehand, you can call iRhythm anytime at 1-888-693-2401 and they can check your coverage. Prefer not to use insurance? You can self-pay $395 for the monitor instead.

Some insurance plans charge more than the self-pay price. In that case, just choose the self-pay option when you sign up.

Question 3

What's included in the $199?

Accepted Answer

Everything a cardiologist would do to order the monitor: 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 4

How long does it take to receive the monitor?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

When will my order ship?

Accepted Answer

Check hearthippo.com/status for the current status of your order. Your monitor ships directly from iRhythm, the maker of the Zio® patch, and they choose the carrier — in our experience it almost always arrives via USPS, occasionally UPS.

One heads-up: not every order receives a separate shipping-confirmation email, so the "ships soon" update may be the last email you get before your monitor arrives. If it hasn't arrived within 7 days, contact us at hello@hearthippo.com and we'll track it down for you.

Question 6

How long does monitoring take?

Accepted Answer

You'll wear the comfortable, water-resistant 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 7

How will I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Your results arrive in your Heart Hippo portal. Here's what happens after you mail the monitor back:
• A technician at iRhythm (the maker of the Zio® patch) reviews your full monitoring period and generates your report.
• Our physicians review that report for accuracy and write a plain-language summary for you — what the findings mean and what next steps, if any, make sense.
• You'll get an email with a link to your portal, where you can read your physician's commentary and download the full report PDF to keep or share with any doctor.

So you get both: the original clinical report generated by iRhythm and reviewed by our physicians, plus a separate plain-language interpretation written for you. Once your results are posted, you can message our care team directly in the portal with any questions.

Question 8

I mailed my monitor back — when will I receive my report?

Accepted Answer

After iRhythm receives your monitor, their technicians process the recording and generate your report within a few business days; it's then sent to our doctors for review. In most cases our doctors review the report and post your results within 1–2 business days of receiving it, but please allow up to 1 week.

You may receive a notification from Zio®/iRhythm saying your monitor has been read and "your provider" has the report — that provider is the Heart Hippo physician team. Your results will appear in your portal at hearthippo.com/status as soon as our review is complete, and we'll email you when they're ready.

Question 9

Who interprets my report?

Accepted Answer

The initial analysis of your heart rhythm data is done by iRhythm's cardiac technicians — that's true of every Zio® patch, no matter which doctor ordered it. They're the ones who process the full monitoring period and generate the initial report, so the underlying data summary you receive is the same.

That report is then reviewed by a Heart Hippo physician for accuracy — and the physician personally writes a plain-language summary of what your report means, highlighting the most important findings.

Question 10

Can I share the results with my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. After your monitoring period, you'll get the complete Zio® report as a PDF, along with a plain-language summary and interpretation written by the reviewing physician, delivered directly to you through our secure portal.

The PDF is yours to keep and share — many patients bring it to their cardiologist, and it's the same clinical-grade report cardiologists receive from Zio® monitoring ordered in their own offices. (We deliver results to you rather than sending them to outside providers.)

Question 11

Does Heart Hippo replace going to a cardiologist?

Accepted Answer

No — Heart Hippo isn't meant to replace an in-person visit with a cardiologist. We're here to get you the data, so that if you do need that visit, you walk in already holding it. The usual path is to wait for an in-person appointment just to get the monitor ordered, wear it, then wait for a second appointment to find out what it showed. Heart Hippo gives you access to the same monitoring without the wait.

Question 12

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 may be 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 13

What can the Zio® patch detect?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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.

No one watches the recording while you wear the patch, and it doesn't send alerts. Heart Hippo is not for emergency use. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.

Question 15

What if I don't return the patch?

Accepted Answer

The patch must be mailed back to be analyzed — no return, no results. Returning it is easy and free: prepaid return packaging is included in the box. If you never send the monitor back, you'll be responsible for its full replacement cost.

Question 16

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

No problem — you can still get tested. Choose self-pay during checkout: the monitor is a flat $395, plus the standard $199 consultation fee.

Question 17

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 18

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.

One caveat on the insurance side: Heart Hippo never requires a referral, but if you're using insurance to cover the monitor, some plans do require a referral or other documentation before they'll pay for it. If you're not sure about yours, call iRhythm at 1-888-693-2401 (available 24/7) — they bill your insurance for the monitor and can check your plan's requirements.

Question 19

How does the consultation work?

Accepted Answer

Complete the online intake, and a physician will review it. Most consultations happen asynchronously — there's no appointment to schedule. If everything in your intake is clear, you'll receive confirmation that your order has been processed. If the physician needs additional information, they'll reach out by chat or email — and in some states, you may receive a brief phone call to confirm details.

Then, once you've worn the monitor and mailed it back, a physician reviews your results and shares your full report — along with a plain-language summary of what it means — through our portal.

Throughout the process, our physicians are available via chat and email to answer any questions you may have.

Question 20

Do I need to be in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heart Hippo is currently able to provide services only to patients who are physically located in the United States at the time care is provided — a U.S. mailing address alone does not establish eligibility. Within the U.S., we're live in a growing list of states: you'll pick your state at the start of signup, and if we're not in yours yet you can join the waitlist.

Question 21

I'm having trouble with ID verification — the camera won't work or my ID won't upload.

Accepted Answer

ID verification is handled securely by Stripe, and it uses your device's camera to photograph your ID and take a selfie. When verification won't start or gets stuck, it's often because the browser can't use the camera. A few things that fix this:

1. Open the verification page in a real browser. If you got there from an email or another app, tap the "…" or share icon and choose "Open in browser." The mini-browsers built into apps often can't use the camera — this is the most common cause.

2. Make sure your browser is allowed to use the camera.
• iPhone: Settings → Safari (or Chrome) → Camera → Allow
• Android: Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions → Camera → Allow
• Computer: click the padlock icon in the address bar and set Camera to Allow

3. Refresh the page and try again after changing any setting.

4. Still stuck? Try a different browser or device. If you've been trying on your phone, a laptop with a webcam works too (or vice versa).

5. If the camera is working but your ID keeps getting rejected, try a different ID — a passport if you've been using a driver's license, or vice versa.

Question 22

Does my insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

The Zio® patch is covered by most insurance throughout the United States, including commercial insurance and Medicare. iRhythm (the maker of the Zio® patch) bills your insurance directly for the monitor — most patients end up paying $0–$395, depending on their plan. That amount is set by your insurance company, not Heart Hippo, and any bill for it may come from iRhythm, your insurance company, or both — often weeks later.

Some insurance plans charge more than the $395 self-pay price. In that case, just choose the self-pay option when you sign up.

Question 23

Can I find out my out-of-pocket cost for the monitor before I order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. iRhythm (the maker of the Zio® patch) can check your insurance and confirm what the monitor will cost you out of pocket. Call iRhythm at 1-888-693-2401 — they're available 24/7.

Some insurance plans charge more than the self-pay price. In that case, just choose the self-pay option when you sign up — you'll pay the $199 consultation fee to us today, and iRhythm will bill you the flat $395 for the monitor separately.

Question 24

Why did I receive a bill from iRhythm or my insurance? I already paid the $199.

Accepted Answer

The $199 covers Heart Hippo's service: the doctor who orders your monitor and interprets your report. The Zio® monitor itself is billed separately to your insurance by iRhythm, its manufacturer. If your plan passes part of that cost to you, you'll get a bill from iRhythm, your insurance company, or both — often weeks later. That bill is not from Heart Hippo.

Question 25

I received a bill for the monitor that's more than I expected.

Accepted Answer

It's like when your regular doctor orders an X-ray: your doctor's bill is completely separate from the X-ray facility's bill, and your doctor has no control over the price of the X-ray. Similarly, Heart Hippo has no control over what iRhythm or your insurance company charges for the monitor. What you owe depends on your plan — mainly your deductible and coverage level. If you have questions about the amount, whoever sent the bill — iRhythm or your insurance company — can walk you through how it was calculated.

Question 26

Is it cheaper to go through my regular doctor?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. The cost of the Zio® patch through your insurance is generally the same no matter who prescribes it — Heart Hippo or your family doctor.

Question 27

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

You can get a full refund of the $199 fee anytime before your monitor ships — just go to hearthippo.com/status and cancel your order. Once your monitor has shipped, the $199 fee is non-refundable.

Question 28

How do I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Go to hearthippo.com/status, sign in, and choose the cancel option. Our refund policy: you can get a full refund of the $199 fee anytime before your monitor ships; once it has shipped, the $199 fee is non-refundable. (If you cancel before your ID verification is complete, your card was never even charged — the hold is simply released.) If you don't see a cancel option on your status page, email hello@hearthippo.com and we'll take care of it.

Question 29

Where is my receipt?

Accepted Answer

If you need a detailed receipt for your $199 payment — for example, for HSA/FSA or reimbursement purposes — email hello@hearthippo.com and we'll send you one. For a receipt or billing questions about the Zio® monitor itself, contact iRhythm (who bills for the monitor separately) at 1-888-693-2401.

Question 30

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 31

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
• May offer 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

PVCs or Skipped Beats?

A longer look at skipped beats

Already know you have PVCs?

Not sure what the skips are?

Connect the feeling to the recording

A report to share with your own doctor

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

Water-resistant & comfortable

Clear results

Comfortable enough for everyday life

Pricing

How billing works with insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Listen to your heart

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