Swollen Legs in the Elderly? Your Guide to Care in Arlington, TX

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Swollen Legs in the Elderly? Your Guide to Care in Arlington, TX

Noticing that your legs swell up slightly, especially in the evenings, can be worrying—especially if you’re wondering about circulation or heart health. It’s completely normal to feel concerned, even when there’s no pain, because persistent swelling might signal something your body wants you to pay attention to. You’ve taken the right step by seeking more information.

This post is designed to guide you through understanding potential causes of swollen legs in older adults, explain which healthcare providers you might want to see next, and outline what you can expect regarding common medical procedures and their typical self-pay costs in Arlington, TX. You’ll find clear next steps so you can confidently move forward with the right care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Based on your symptoms, a few types of doctors could be a good place to start for evaluation and care:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health concerns, making them an excellent first stop. They can evaluate your swelling, order necessary tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who handle complex medical conditions. They can help identify if your swelling is related to circulatory or other internal issues.
  • Cardiologist: A heart specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions, which can sometimes cause leg swelling.
  • Vascular Surgeon: A doctor specializing in diseases of arteries and veins. They perform diagnostic tests and treatments related to blood flow problems that can cause swelling in the legs.

Each of these providers can help determine the underlying cause of your leg swelling and recommend appropriate treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms and medical history, and to decide which tests, if any, you need next.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 502 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check for infections, anemia, or other blood-related conditions that might cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.78 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $20.46)
    Provider Availability: Based on 41 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A simple heart test to check your heart rhythm and function as swelling can sometimes be related to heart issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.44 (typically ranges from $16.94 to $45.94)
    Provider Availability: Based on 90 providers in the Arlington area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: In-depth evaluation of adult medical conditions that may relate to your leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    Provider Availability: 364 providers in Arlington.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: An imaging test to check blood flow in your arteries, identifying blockages or narrowing that could cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $168.63 (ranges from $91.37 to $245.90)
    Provider Availability: 11 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Same as above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.20 (ranges from $16.94 to $45.46)
    Provider Availability: 90 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation of heart-related causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.32 (ranges from $141.24 to $235.40)
    Provider Availability: 138 providers in Arlington.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: An ultrasound to evaluate your veins for clots or valve problems that might cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $283.01 (ranges from $199.55 to $366.47)
    Provider Availability: 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm check as explained above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.34 (ranges from $16.98 to $55.70)
    Provider Availability: 109 providers.

Visit with a Vascular Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: Focused consultation on vascular (blood vessel) issues causing leg swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $142.61 (ranges from $105.98 to $179.23)
    Provider Availability: 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: Same vein-focused ultrasound to detect vein problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $369.02 (ranges from $219.56 to $518.47)
    Provider Availability: 28 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: Same artery evaluation via ultrasound.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $145.26 (ranges from $68.12 to $222.39)
    Provider Availability: 19 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of American healthcare pricing like shopping at a market where prices can vary widely depending on who you talk to and how you pay. The listed “estimated costs” are not fixed prices but reflect a range.

  • The maximum cost is usually just under the “charged amount”—the price the healthcare provider requests before any discounts or negotiations.
  • The minimum cost sits a little above what Medicare (the federal health insurance program) has negotiated as reasonable. At this lower price point, providers often earn little or no profit and sometimes even lose money.

Knowing this helps you understand that prices may vary depending on your payment method, timing, and negotiation.

Know Your Rights

You have important protections when seeking medical care, especially if you’re paying out-of-pocket:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you are uninsured or paying cash, your healthcare provider must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, so don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill and dispute charges that seem wrong or excessive. Ask for CPT codes (procedure codes) and billing details — this is your right.
  • Several states have laws protecting patients against unfair and surprise billing, so knowing your rights empowers you to advocate for fair billing.

The best thing you can do now is to connect with a qualified healthcare provider and get a proper evaluation.

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine specialist, Cardiologist, or Vascular Surgeon in Arlington, TX. Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often easiest.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down details about when the swelling started, any other symptoms, your medical history, and questions for your doctor.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about expected costs and what self-pay options or discounts may be available.
  • Stay Positive: Remember, swelling in the legs can have many causes, and early evaluation can help put your mind at ease and guide effective treatment.

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 is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.