Dr. David S. Leder, Medical Director

Quakerbridge Radiology has helped physicians save numerous lives by performing vascular ultrasounds in recent years.

Vascular ultrasound procedures utilize high-frequency sound waves to provide clear, real-time images of veins and arteries as blood flows through. Because these images show the blood actually moving through the circulatory system, physicians can easily spot potential problems such as blockages, narrowing of veins and arteries, clot formation, weakening of artery walls, hemorrhages, and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Best of all, the procedure has proven far more accurate and far less invasive than techniques such as surgery.For that reason, many physicians consider vascular ultrasounds extremely valuable for:

• Monitoring the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. 
• Locating and identifying blockages and abnormalities, including blood clots, plaque, emboli.
• Planning for effective treatment of blockages and abnormalities.
• Determining whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as bypasses or angioplasties.
• Planning and/or evaluating the success of procedures like blood vessel grafts of bypasses.

Vascular Ultrasounds Head off Aneurysms, Strokes, and PAD As a result, vascular ultrasounds can play a major role in preventing potentially fatal consequences of:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that carry blood to arms and legs. This build-up adversely affects blood circulation. People who have PAD suffer fatal heart attacks or strokes three times more often than people who don’t have PAD. PAD risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and family history of major vascular problems. In addition, PAD occurs in men more often than in women.
• Carotid Artery Disease: Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the main blood vessels that take blood to the brain develop a buildup of plaque caused by hardening of the arteries. When such build-ups become severe, they can cause strokes. Risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of smoking; high cholesterol, a family history of stroke, and/or an irregular heartbeat, particularly atrial fibrillation. 
• Aortic Aneurysm: Aortic aneurysm results from a weakening in the wall of the aorta, the main artery in the chest and abdomen. If the weakening causes the artery to rupture, death often results. Patients usually experience no signs or symptoms of an aortic aneurysm until it ruptures. Aortic aneurysms most often occur in people over the age of 60, those with family history of aortic aneurysms, people who smoke, and those with high blood pressure. Aortic aneurysms also occur more frequently in men than women. 

Medicare Recognizes the Value of Vascular Ultrasound in Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Medicare recently reaffirmed the value of vascular ultrasound in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Medicare began paying for the procedure in January of this year when beneficiaries take advantage of the Initial Physical Exam within six months after their Medicare coverage begins. To qualify for Medicare coverage for a vascular ultrasound, a patient must:

• Receive a referral for the procedure as part of an initial preventive physical examination;
• Have the procedure done by a provider or supplier who is authorized to provide covered diagnostic service;
• Have not previously had a screening done under the Medicare program; and
• Fit into at least one of the following risk categories:

1.  Have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm;
2. Be a 65- to 75-year-old male who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his lifetime; or
3.  Be a Medicare beneficiary who manifests other risk factors in a beneficiary category recommended for screening.

Simple Preparation Ensures Procedure’s Success
Whether or not Medicare or other insurance will pay for vascular ultrasound, if your physician recommends that you undergo the procedure, you can help ensure its success by taking the following steps:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your exam.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry in the area you will have examined.
• Fast before the procedure if you are having your abdominal vessels examined.

For more information about vascular ultrasound procedures, please visit www.qbradiology.com or call 609-890-0033 and press #1 to schedule an appointment.

Each and every patient at Quakerbridge Radiology Associates receives personalized care designed to meet her individual needs.  Our staff is highly trained, our equipment is state-of-the art, and we remain committed to providing exceptional care to the women in our community.  For more information or to make an appointment, please call 609.890.0033 prompt 1 or visit our Web site www.qbradiology.com.