How Much Does Venous Ultrasound of the Legs (One Leg) Cost?
Also known as: Extremity study (CPT 93971)
A limited ultrasound of veins in your arm or leg, focused on a specific area.
Venous Ultrasound of the Legs (One Leg) (CPT 93971) costs $116 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Venous Ultrasound of the Legs (One Leg)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A focused ultrasound examining a specific segment of veins, usually to follow up on a previous finding or check a localized area of concern.
How Long Does It Take?
15-20 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Follow-up on known blood clot, focused evaluation of specific vein, post-treatment monitoring
How to Prepare
Wear loose clothing. No special preparation needed.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Extremity study
How to Reduce Your Cost for Extremity study
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (3.48) x CF ($33.40) = $116
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is a venous Doppler test painful?
No, Doppler ultrasound is non-invasive and generally painless. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, but it is not painful.
How much does a venous ultrasound cost for lower extremity?
Types of Vascular Ultrasounds: Common options include carotid, abdominal, and lower extremity ultrasounds, with costs varying by procedure complexity and scope. Cost Range: Carotid ultrasounds typically cost 50-00, abdominal 00-00, and lower extremity 50-00.
Can ultrasound detect blocked arteries in legs?
Ultrasound of the legs or feet. Sound waves create pictures of how blood moves through the blood vessels of the legs or feet. Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound used to spot blocked or narrowed arteries.
Is a Doppler test covered by insurance?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover diagnostic tests if a doctor determines them to be necessary. This includes X-rays, MRIS and Doppler tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Extremity study cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Extremity study is $116. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Extremity study cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Extremity study can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Extremity study?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Extremity study when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.