What Is a Doppler Ultrasound and When Do You Need One?

What is a Doppler Ultrasound? 

A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive medical scan that uses soundwaves to measure blood flow through your arteries and veins. It’s most commonly used to assess circulation in your legs, neck (carotid arteries), and kidneys, and to help detect conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency causing varicose veins, or narrowed blood vessels. If you’ve been referred for a vascular ultrasound or have symptoms like leg swelling, pain, or dizziness, then you have been referred for a Doppler ultrasound.

Understanding How a Doppler Ultrasound Works

A Doppler ultrasound uses high-frequency soundwaves to bounce off moving blood cells. This creates real-time images that allow medical professionals to assess how well blood is flowing through the vessels. Unlike a standard ultrasound, which shows structures and organs, a Doppler scan focuses specifically on blood flow and vascular health.

At Capri Ultrasound, we provide bulk billed ultrasounds to Medicare card holders, including advanced vascular scans using Doppler technology.

Why Would You Need a Doppler Ultrasound?

Your doctor may refer you for a Doppler ultrasound if they suspect there is a problem with your blood flow. Common reasons include:

• Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) → especially after long travel, surgery, or if you experience leg pain or swelling
• Varicose veins or venous insufficiency
• Carotid artery disease, which may increase the risk of stroke
• Kidney (renal) artery problems, which may affect blood pressure regulation
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which affects circulation in the legs and arms
• Check for aneurysms such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
• Checking vascular function before or after surgery

For further reading on vascular disease and its impact on circulation, visit this helpful Better Health Channel article.

What Areas Can Be Assessed with a Doppler Ultrasound?

A Doppler ultrasound can be used to examine various parts of the body:

• Doppler Ultrasound Legs: Used to evaluate blood flow in the leg veins and arteries, this is often done to rule out DVT or check for peripheral vascular disease.
• Doppler Ultrasound of Carotid Artery: A scan of the neck arteries (carotids) to assess for narrowing, which may increase stroke risk. If you’ve had dizziness, fainting, or a mini-stroke (TIA), your doctor might refer you for this test.
• Renal Doppler Ultrasound: Assesses blood flow to the kidneys. This scan may be recommended if you have high blood pressure that’s hard to control or known kidney problems.
• Veins Doppler Ultrasound: Looks for venous insufficiency or valve dysfunction, particularly in the legs. This is common in patients with varicose veins or swelling.
• Aneurysm Doppler Ultrasound: Looks for aneurysm (an abnormal increase in diameter) in arteries such as the aorta (AAA) and assess any effect on blood flow

These targeted exams give your doctor valuable information to guide diagnosis and treatment  without the need for radiation or invasive procedures.

Is a Doppler Ultrasound Bulk Billed?

Yes, at Capri Ultrasound, we offer bulk billed ultrasounds for all Medicare card holders with a valid GP referral. This includes Doppler ultrasounds of the legs, carotid arteries, renal arteries and veins, depending on medical need.

If you’re looking for a bulk billing ultrasound on the Gold Coast, we provide high-quality diagnostic imaging right here in Isle of Capri, making it convenient and accessible for local residents.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A Doppler ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure. You’ll lie comfortably while a trained sonographer applies gel to the skin and moves a handheld probe over the area being examined.

• Most scans take 10 – 20 minutes depending on the region
• No needles, no radiation
• No downtime, you can return to normal activities straight away
• Your referring doctor will usually receive results within 24 – 48 hours with urgent cases prioritised for faster diagnosis

No special preparation is required for most vascular ultrasounds, although some abdominal Doppler scans (e.g. renal arteries) may require fasting, our team will advise you in advance.

Book Your Ultrasound on the Gold Coast

If you’ve been referred for a Doppler ultrasound, or you’re experiencing symptoms like leg swelling, cold extremities, or unexplained dizziness, it’s important not to delay.

At Capri Ultrasound, we offer:

• Bulk billed Doppler ultrasounds with a valid referral
• Fast, professional service in a central Gold Coast location
• State-of-the-art imaging and experienced sonographers
• Easy booking and short wait times

Conveniently located in Isle of Capri, we’re proud to support the Gold Coast community with accurate, compassionate care.

Ready to book your Doppler ultrasound?

Contact Capri Ultrasound today to make an appointment or learn more about our services.