Swollen Legs in Elderly? Next Steps for Care in Phoenix, AZ

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Swollen Legs in Elderly? Next Steps for Care in Phoenix, AZ

Noticing your legs swelling slightly in the evenings can understandably make you worried, especially when you’re concerned about circulation or heart problems. It’s good that you’re paying attention to these changes because persistent leg swelling can be a sign that your body needs a closer look by a healthcare professional.

This post is here to help guide you through what might be causing your symptoms, who the best doctors to see are in Phoenix, AZ, and what typical costs look like if you are paying out-of-pocket. You’re in the right place to get clear next steps and relevant local information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

When it comes to swollen legs in the elderly, several types of providers could be good starting points for your care:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate your overall health, manage symptoms, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Physician: Focuses on adult health and can diagnose and treat circulatory or heart-related issues.
  • Cardiologist: Specializes in heart health and circulation and can provide specific testing if a heart-related cause is suspected.
  • Vascular Surgeon: Focuses on blood vessel problems, including arteries and veins in the legs, and can provide advanced diagnostics or treatment if needed.

Each type offers valuable expertise depending on the complexity or cause of the swelling.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures these providers may perform for your leg swelling and their estimated self-pay costs in Phoenix:

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and overall health to help diagnose causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts (CPT Code: 93925)
    Purpose: Imaging test to check blood flow in your leg arteries and detect any blockages causing swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $370.05 (ranges from $277.54 to $462.56)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers in Phoenix.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Quick heart test to spot irregularities that could affect circulation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.40 (ranges from $16.64 to $32.15)
    This estimate is based on 209 providers in Phoenix.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive consultation to assess symptoms and order tests if necessary.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    Based on 438 providers in Phoenix.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts (CPT Code: 93925)
    Purpose: Non-invasive artery ultrasound to assess circulation issues possibly causing swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $367.31 (ranges from $275.48 to $459.14)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Checks how well your heart pumps blood, looking for heart conditions contributing to swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $230.99 (ranges from $173.24 to $288.74)
    Based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Chest X-ray to evaluate your heart size and lungs for related problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.18 (ranges from $30.68 to $51.67)
    Based on 18 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation focused on heart-related causes of leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.46 (ranges from $136.85 to $228.08)
    Based on 181 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: Checks for blood clots or valve problems in veins that might cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $272.45 (ranges from $204.34 to $340.56)
    Based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: A cardiac ultrasound to assess heart function and valves.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.01 (ranges from $114.08 to $275.93)
    Based on 169 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm test to detect abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.34 (ranges from $16.74 to $41.94)
    Based on 161 providers.

Visit with a Vascular Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized exam focused on vascular causes of leg swelling such as blocked arteries or veins.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $200.50 (ranges from $146.70 to $254.30)
    Based on 28 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts (CPT Code: 93925)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to check blood flow and vessel health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $491.21 (ranges from $249.59 to $732.82)
    Based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg arteries at rest and after exercise (CPT Code: 93924)
    Purpose: Evaluates how your leg arteries perform during activity, can identify blockages that get worse with movement.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $233.57 (ranges from $165.43 to $301.70)
    Based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound of aorta, vena cava, groin vessels or bypass grafts (CPT Code: 93978)
    Purpose: Comprehensive vascular scan to evaluate major blood vessels related to leg circulation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $267.65 (ranges from $191.18 to $344.12)
    Based on 15 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like haggling at a market — the prices you see are rarely fixed, and the final cost might vary depending on many factors. Here’s a simple way to understand the numbers:

  • The maximum cost you see is often just under what the doctor initially charges (the “chargemaster” price) for that service.
  • The minimum cost is usually a bit above what Medicare, the government insurance program, negotiates to pay providers. At this level, providers might just break even or even lose money on the procedure.

These estimates give you a general range so you can prepare financially and ask providers smarter questions.

Know Your Rights

Under U.S. law, all healthcare providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you are self-paying (not using insurance). This means:

  • You can request a GFE at least three business days before your appointment or service.
  • The GFE must outline expected charges so you can anticipate costs transparently.
  • Many providers offer discounts for paying cash upfront — don’t hesitate to ask, “What is the cash price if I pay now?”
  • You have the right to request an itemized bill with CPT codes and billing details.
  • If you notice incorrect or unfair charges, you can dispute them. Many states protect you against unreasonable billing practices.

Knowing and exercising these rights helps you avoid surprise bills.

Your health is important, and swelling in your legs should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician for a starting evaluation. If needed, they can refer you to a Cardiologist or Vascular Surgeon.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms — when they started, how often they occur, and any other health changes. Prepare any questions about your swelling or circulation concerns.
  3. Discuss Costs: When making your appointment, ask about expected out-of-pocket costs and whether a Good Faith Estimate is available. Knowing what to expect can ease worries about cost.
  4. Stay Reassured: Taking these steps shows you’re proactive. A professional evaluation will guide you toward the right treatment and peace of mind.

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 post provides general information and estimated costs based on available local data for Phoenix, AZ. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition.