Swollen Legs in the Elderly: Next Steps and Care Options in Houston, TX

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Swollen Legs in the Elderly: Next Steps and Care Options in Houston, TX

If you’ve noticed your legs swelling, especially in the evenings, it’s understandable to feel concerned about what this might mean for your circulation or heart health. Even without pain, persistent swelling can feel worrisome, and wanting to understand the causes and care options is completely normal. You’re in the right place to learn about potential underlying issues, which healthcare providers to consider, and what the initial visit costs might look like in Houston, TX.

This guide aims to help you take calm, informed steps toward getting the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Based on your symptoms of swollen legs, especially considering your age, a few types of doctors could be a good starting point. Here are some providers you might consider:

  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult care who diagnose and treat a wide range of chronic conditions including heart, circulation, and kidney problems that might cause leg swelling.
  • Family Practice Doctors: Generalists who treat the whole family and can evaluate common causes of swelling, manage ongoing care, and refer if specialized tests or treatment are needed.
  • Vascular Surgeons: Experts focused on blood vessels and circulation. They assess issues like vein problems or blockages that could cause swelling.
  • Cardiologists: Heart specialists who can evaluate whether heart function might be impacting fluid build-up in your legs.

Each of these providers is experienced with conditions that could contribute to swelling and can guide you through the necessary evaluations.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is what you might expect during your first visits with these providers in Houston, along with typical self-pay costs. This can help you plan and feel more confident about your next steps.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a comprehensive office visit where the doctor evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. This visit helps identify possible causes of leg swelling and directs further testing or treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (typically ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    This estimate is based on 492 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: A quick imaging test to check blood flow in your leg arteries, detecting blockages or narrowing. It helps assess circulation problems that could cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $142.55 (typically ranges from $95.23 to $189.86)
    This estimate is based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A chest X-ray shows your heart and lungs, helping to spot heart failure or lung conditions that might cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.17 (typically ranges from $36.32 to $70.02)
    This estimate is based on 20 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Records your heart’s electrical activity to identify irregularities or heart conditions affecting circulation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.02 (typically ranges from $17.41 to $40.63)
    This estimate is based on 159 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general check-up to understand your symptoms, rule out common causes, and manage initial treatment if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: Imaging of blood flow in arteries to spot circulation issues impacting leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $130.18 (typically ranges from $97.63 to $162.72)
    This estimate is based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A simple blood test checking your red and white blood cells and platelets. It helps uncover infections or anemia which can contribute to swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.39 (typically ranges from $9.08 to $19.70)
    This estimate is based on 55 providers.

Visit with a Vascular Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: A focused visit to evaluate your blood vessels, looking specifically for vein problems or blockages causing swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $138.91 (typically ranges from $104.18 to $173.64)
    This estimate is based on 39 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: A detailed ultrasound checks for blood clots or vein insufficiency, common causes of leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $358.34 (typically ranges from $188.47 to $528.21)
    This estimate is based on 29 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood test to check overall health status, which is critical before certain treatments or surgeries.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.17 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $19.20)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialist evaluation focusing on heart function to see if heart health contributes to leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.50 (typically ranges from $145.87 to $243.12)
    This estimate is based on 248 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: Imaging to look for vein problems such as clots or valve issues, which a cardiologist might investigate due to heart-related circulation effects.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $265.08 (typically ranges from $189.32 to $340.84)
    This estimate is based on 60 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm and electrical activity test to assess heart-related causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.37 (typically ranges from $17.29 to $55.44)
    This estimate is based on 208 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare prices in the U.S. can feel a bit like haggling in a market — there’s often a big difference between what’s initially charged and what is actually paid. The maximum cost shown here is generally just below what a doctor or clinic will “charge” for that service. This is the highest estimate but can sometimes be negotiated or discounted if you pay upfront. The minimum cost is usually just above what Medicare, the government insurance program, has agreed to pay the provider for that procedure. This lower price is often so close to the provider’s actual cost that they might not profit at this level.

Understanding this helps you ask the right questions and make sense of why prices may vary from one place to another.

Know Your Rights

If you plan to pay out of pocket, you have important rights. The law requires providers to give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you ask for one at least three business days before scheduled services or when you request care without using insurance. This estimate will tell you what the provider expects you might pay.

Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if requested before your visit, so don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?” You also have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill after services and can dispute any charges that look incorrect or duplicative. You can ask for billing codes (CPT codes) to clarify what you were charged for. States often have protections against unreasonable billing practices, especially for patients without insurance.

Taking control of your health starts with informed action. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed—starting with an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor is often easiest.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all symptoms, including details about your leg swelling (when it started, how it varies during the day), and any questions you might have.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office to confirm estimated costs and inquire about self-pay discounts or payment options.
  4. Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional advice is the right and important step towards feeling better and addressing any underlying concerns.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and cost estimates based on available data as of June 2025 and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.