Do I need an ultrasound for varicose veins, and what will it show? If you’re experiencing leg swelling, pain, or visible veins, a varicose vein ultrasound is the key diagnostic step to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface. It helps identify issues like valve failure and blood flow problems that can’t be seen from the outside.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a varicose vein ultrasound involves, when to get one, and how it can help guide treatment, especially when bulk billed options are available.
A varicose vein ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to examine the veins in your legs. It checks how well your blood is flowing and whether the valves inside your veins are working properly. This type of vascular ultrasound helps identify chronic venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the legs instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart, a common cause of varicose veins.
Ultrasound is often the first diagnostic step your doctor will recommend if you have symptoms like:
Capri Ultrasound on the Gold Coast offers bulk billed ultrasound scans for eligible patients with valid referrals including vascular ultrasound for varicose veins.
Many people assume varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue, but they’re often a sign of an underlying condition known as venous insufficiency disease. This occurs when vein walls or valves become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward and collect in the legs.
Common risk factors include:
If left untreated, varicose veins can progress and in some cases, complications like blood clots, skin ulcers, poor skin health or significant leg pain may develop. So, when patients ask “are varicose veins problematic?” The answer is, they can be if not assessed and monitored.
If you’re wondering “when to worry about varicose veins”, it may be time to book a scan if you notice:
A varicose vein ultrasound can detect early signs of complications and help your GP or specialist decide what kind of treatment or lifestyle change might be necessary.
During your scan, a qualified sonographer will apply a warm gel to your leg and use a handheld device called a transducer to map out your veins. The scan takes about 10 – 20 minutes and is completely painless.
Your vascular ultrasound may involve:
Capri Ultrasound uses high-resolution imaging to provide accurate, timely results and our team works closely with referring doctors to ensure appropriate follow-up.
Yes, if you have a valid referral and a Medicare card, your varicose vein ultrasound will be bulk billed. Due to Medicare rules on billing, requests for varicose vein studies on both legs will be booked across two days. At Capri Ultrasound, we offer bulk billed ultrasound services on the Gold Coast for most vascular scans, helping patients access care without unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
We also accept referrals to an radiology imaging provider, whether they come from your GP or specialist.
Many people search “bulk bill ultrasound” or “ultrasound bulk billing near me” when looking for accessible imaging options, we’re proud to provide that service locally.
Once your scan is complete, results are sent directly to your referring doctor, who will explain the findings and discuss treatment options with you. These may include:
If you’re curious about prevention or how to reduce your risk long-term, this Mayo Clinic article offers practical lifestyle tips from staying active to elevating your legs after standing all day.
Many clinics offer ultrasound, but not all provide vascular ultrasound with the precision and care that varicose vein assessment requires. At Capri Ultrasound, we offer:
Whether you’ve been referred for a varicose vein ultrasound, or you’re noticing symptoms for the first time, we’re here to help you get the answers you need.
Don’t ignore signs of vein disease. A varicose vein ultrasound can give you the clarity and peace of mind you need before complications develop.
📍 Located on the Isle of Capri, Capri Ultrasound proudly provides bulk billed ultrasounds for eligible patients across the Gold Coast. Call us or book online today to schedule your vascular ultrasound and take the first step toward healthier legs.
