IN-OFFICE ULTRASOUND
Artery Screening
A quick, radiation-free ultrasound that looks for early plaque in your arteries — often years before any symptoms appear.
Plaque builds quietly
Cholesterol, blood pressure, and family history estimate your risk. Imaging shows what is actually happening in your artery walls.
Earlier than a standard carotid test
A standard carotid "duplex" ultrasound, often covered by insurance, mainly checks blood flow for significant narrowing or blockage. Our screening measures your artery walls in fractions of a millimeter and looks for early, non-blocking plaque, years before narrowing develops. A normal duplex doesn't rule out early plaque.
Plaque is common, even at "low risk"
In a study of about 4,000 healthy middle-aged adults, 63% already had early plaque on imaging, including 58% of those rated low risk by a standard risk score.
Why we check more than one artery
In the same study, plaque showed up more often in the leg (femoral) arteries than in the neck (carotid) arteries. Checking both gives a fuller picture.
Pictures motivate change
In a randomized trial of 3,500 adults, people shown images of their own artery plaque had lower heart-risk scores after one year than those who received usual care.
I recommend this screening tool for my patients because it lets us safely track their arteries over time. It can show if plaque is getting worse, or just as importantly, if it is getting better.
It is my preferred method for measuring the response of aggressive lifestyle changes. Instead of guessing whether your changes in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress are working, we can see it.
Dr. Jay Benson, Aspen Health
Is this screening right for you?
- Adults 40+ who want a baseline of their artery health
- A family history of heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or a smoking history
- Anyone tracking the results of lifestyle or medication changes
Three simple steps
Book online
Choose your screening and pay securely when you book.
Get scanned
Relax in a calm, private room at our Princeton office while a credentialed sonographer takes images.
Review results
Receive your report, then meet with our doctor to talk it through.
Three levels of vascular screening
Every option includes a report and a results review with our doctor.
Carotid Artery Scan
Members book in the patient portal
- Neck (carotid) arteries: wall thickness and plaque
- Results review included
Dual Artery Scan
Members book in the patient portal
- Neck (carotid) arteries: wall thickness and plaque
- Upper leg (femoral) arteries: wall thickness and plaque
- Results review included
Complete Artery Screen
Members book in the patient portal
- Neck (carotid) arteries: wall thickness and plaque
- Upper leg (femoral) arteries: wall thickness and plaque
- Abdominal aorta aneurysm and iliac artery check
- Ankle-brachial index: lower leg circulation check
- Results review included
Aspen Health members save on every screening
Members pay less for every screening, and Premium members save an additional 25%. Membership also includes unhurried visits, direct messaging with the doctor, and a lifestyle medicine plan built around your results.
Explore membership →| Screening | Public | Member | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carotid | $350 | $300 | $225 |
| Dual | $550 | $500 | $375 |
| Complete | $750 | $700 | $525 |
Frequently asked
I've had a carotid ultrasound before. Isn't this the same test?
Not quite. A standard carotid "duplex" ultrasound, often covered by insurance, mainly checks blood flow to look for significant narrowing or blockage. It's designed to find advanced disease that might warrant surgery. Our screening uses a dedicated protocol to measure the thickness of your artery walls in fractions of a millimeter and look for early, non-blocking plaque, years before narrowing develops. The Dual Artery Scan and Complete Artery Screen also check your leg arteries, where plaque often shows up more than in the neck. A "normal" duplex result doesn't rule out early plaque.
Does it use radiation?
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves and is completely radiation-free.
Do I need to be an Aspen Health member?
No. Anyone can book. Aspen Health members pay less for every screening (Premium members save the most) and book through the patient portal. Learn about membership.
Is it covered by insurance?
Screenings are self-pay. We don't bill insurance. Aspen Health has opted out of Medicare so you should not request reimbursement from Medicare. Payment may qualify for HSA or FSA use — check with your plan administrator.
Does this replace other heart tests?
No. This is a screening tool that complements, not replaces, care from your own physician. Share your report with your primary care doctor.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel 48+ hours ahead for a full refund. Within 48 hours, you'll receive a credit toward a future scan day within 12 months.
How often should I repeat my artery screening?
That depends on the results of your prior testing. Screenings are often repeated every 1-3 years.
Know what's happening inside your arteries
Scan days are limited and fill quickly.
Not a Member? Book HereAspen Health members: book in your patient portal
Screening, not emergency care. If you have chest pain, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or other urgent symptoms, call 911. Results do not guarantee the absence of disease.