Understanding Doppler Ultrasound: What It Is and When You Might Need It?

Understanding Doppler Ultrasound: What It Is and When You Might Need It?

Often when you try to schedule an Ultrasound, the imaging center comes back saying that a doppler is necessary, sometimes even when its not on the doctors order. While most people are familiar with standard ultrasound, you may not be familiar with the term “Doppler ultrasound.” In this post, we’ll explain what Doppler ultrasound is, and when it might be necessary in certain cases.

What is Doppler Ultrasound? Doppler ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to evaluate the flow of blood in your arteries and veins. By measuring the speed and direction of blood flow, Doppler ultrasound can provide important information about your blood vessels and heart. This type of ultrasound is especially useful for detecting blood clots, narrowing or blockages in blood vessels, and abnormalities in the heart’s structure or function.

When is Doppler Ultrasound Needed? Basically, any study that requires visualization of a flow of a liquid will need a doppler. Some common conditions where your healthcare provider may recommend Doppler ultrasound are:

1. Abnormal heart sounds or murmurs
2. Swelling or pain in your arms or legs
3. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as leg pain when walking
4. History of blood clots or stroke
5. Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
6. Monitoring the growth and development of a fetus

Doppler ultrasound can also be used during pregnancy to measure blood flow in the umbilical cord and assess the health of the fetus.

Why Choose RadiologyAssist for Your Ultrasound Needs? At RadiologyAssist, we’re committed to making medical imaging more accessible and affordable for everyone. Whether you need a standard ultrasound or a Doppler ultrasound, we can help you find a provider near you and get the care you need at an affordable price. Our Ultrasounds typically start at just $100 and is often less expensive that most most individuals insurance copay. With our transparent, upfront pricing and simple online booking process, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible care without breaking the bank.