A $300 Test That Could Save Your Life: Dr. Ethan Oates Explains Limited Echocardiogram Screening at DCH

In a compelling interview on WAMW’s Focus on the Community, Daviess Community Hospital’s interventional cardiologist Dr. Ethan Oates joins Chief Operating Officer Dave Graber to share how a simple, affordable screening can detect potentially life-threatening aneurysms before symptoms appear.

“Sometimes it’s the people who feel fine who are most at risk,” Dr. Oates explains. “Aneurysms are hereditary, and in our local community, we’re seeing them show up earlier and more often than in other places.”

What is a Limited Echocardiogram?

The Limited Echocardiogram, or Limited Echo, is a noninvasive ultrasound of the heart and aorta. It takes just a few minutes and focuses on detecting early warning signs of aortic aneurysm or valve disease—specifically in patients with family history of heart issues.

Unlike a full echocardiogram, which captures up to 100 images, the Limited Echo uses around 10–15 targeted images that give cardiologists like Dr. Oates a clear look at high-risk areas of the heart.

“It’s just cold jelly and a probe on your chest,” Dr. Oates says. “Five minutes later, we have the data we need.”

Why It Matters for Daviess County

DCH’s cardiology team noticed an unusually high number of aneurysms appearing in patients across southwestern Indiana—often in younger individuals and with fewer symptoms.

Recognizing the need, DCH developed this screening program to make life-saving testing more accessible and affordable to the community.

Limited Echo at DCH: Fast, Easy, Affordable

• ✅ Cost: $300

• ✅ No fasting or prep required

• ✅ Takes less than 30 minutes total

• ✅ Results in 2 business days

• ✅ Follow-up call from Will Walker, NP, with DCH Cardiology

Many area hospitals charge four times as much for similar testing—and may not offer it at all for preventive screening.

What Happens If They Find Something?

If the test shows a concern, DCH’s Cardiology team acts quickly:

• Additional imaging (such as a CT scan)

• Individualized monitoring or referral for surgical repair

• Guidance on lifestyle adjustments like blood pressure management and avoiding heavy lifting

As Dr. Oates puts it, “We’ve already found aneurysms in people with no symptoms that were nearing the point of needing surgical repair. Catching them early changes everything.”

Peace of Mind for You—and Your Family

Dr. Oates emphasized that many patients have not only found relief in their own normal test results—but peace of mind in testing their adult children as well.

“The most rewarding part,” he shares, “has been seeing the relief in parents who now know their kids are okay.”

Schedule Your Limited Echo at DCH

📍 Daviess Community Hospital
1314 E. Walnut St., Washington, IN

📞 Call (812) 254-9324 to schedule your $300 Limited Echocardiogram today.

Watch the Full Interview

🎥 Hear Dr. Ethan Oates explain this test in detail in his full interview: Watch Now