Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get screened?
Early detection can reduce your risk of developing severe complication from stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or venous insufficiency (VI).
Who is at risk?
There are different risk factors for each of the vascular diseases we screen for at Big Sky Ultrasound.
How can ultrasound tell if I’m at risk for a stroke or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Ultrasound can find areas of plaque buildup in the carotid arteries of the neck — a warning sign for possible stroke. In the abdomen, ultrasound can find swelling (an aneurysm) in the abdominal aorta, which if left untreated could rupture, causing severe pain or even death.
How can ultrasound tell if I’m at risk for venous insufficiency?
Ultrasound can detect abnormal direction of blood flow in the superficial veins of the legs–an indication of superficial venous insufficiency. Two areas and two major veins are observed: the groin for the greater saphenous vein (upper leg) and behind the knee for the short saphenous vein (lower leg).
How can taking my blood pressure tell me if I’m at risk for peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
We actually test the ratio of two blood pressures: in your arm and in your ankle. If the blood pressure in your ankle is much lower than in your arm, this indicates a potential problem: possibly PVD.
Who will review my screening results?
The screenings are performed by a registered vascular technologist (RVT) and reviewed by a licensed physician.
When and how will I be notified of the results?
For most patients, results arrive via U.S. mail within 2 weeks. If an emergent condition exists, we will contact you by phone so you can notify your primary care physician and start discussing treatment options.
Can I go to my regular physician to have these screenings done?
It’s very unlikely. Most physicians cannot provide these screenings in their office, and they typically will not order them unless you have other symptoms of either stroke or vascular disease. And in most cases, they would only order one test, not three. At Big Sky Ultrasound, you are taking charge of your health by taking early, preventive measures and ordering the screens for yourself.
Wouldn’t these symptoms be found during my annual physical exam?
Possibly. However, the screenings we do at Big Sky Ultrasound are typically not performed at a routine annual physical. Therefore, it’s possible the symptoms would go undetected.
Why doesn’t my insurance cover these screenings?
Most insurance companies will cover these screenings, but only if they are ordered due to the presence of vascular disease symptoms. This creates a difficult situation for people who have vascular disease risk factors: who wants to wait for symptoms before being tested? Big Sky Ultrasound allows you to take charge of your health by getting screened early, when symptoms are mild and can be treated more effectively.
What should I do the day before my screenings?
Just live your life the way you normally do. There are no special preparation requirements.
What happens if my results reveal something wrong?
Critical results are addressed immediately: we will tell you what was found and what the dangers are, and we will discuss with you how you would like to proceed. Negative and non-critical results are mailed out within 2 weeks after your screenings.
If my results are negative, how long should I wait to get screened again?
That depends on several factors. We will notify you of the recommended waiting period until your next screenings.
Do I have to get all four screenings?
No. You can get any or all of the screenings.
When is payment required?
Full payment is required the day of your screenings. Since insurance and Medicare generally do not cover these screenings, you are responsible for full payment.