ICAEL

Carotid Intima Media Thickness Procedure (CIMT)

This ultrasound procedure is a non-invasive, safe, convenient technique for detecting atherosclerosis before signs and symptoms occur. It provide information by detecting the extent of Arteriosclerosis Disease in the arterial walls. Your doctor may then prescribe therapies and recommend lifestyle modifications to help stop or reverse this precursor of heart disease. Since the Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) procedure is repeatable, over time it can be valuable in measuring treatment effectiveness and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Below are some of the risk factors for vascular disease that may prompt you or your doctor to request a CIMT:

  • Family history of heart disease or stroke;
  • Overweight;
  • Physical inactivity;
  • Age 40 or older;
  • High fat diet;
  • Tobacco use;
  • Elevated triglycerides;
  • High LDL (bad) cholesterol;
  • Low HDL (good) cholesterol;
  • High blood pressure;
  • Menopausal;
  • Diabetic;
  • Metabolic syndrome; and
  • Steroid use.


The CIMT procedure takes approximately twenty minutes for a trained and licensed ultrasound technologist to perform. The procedure is painless and there is no discomfort while the technologist scans the right and left carotid arteries with a ultrasound sensor device. There is no exposure to radiation at any time during the procedure. Once the procedure is done, the technologist will generate a detailed printed report for your physician to review. In addition, a similar report is mailed to you for your personal review. If your doctor determines from the procedure that measurements of your carotid artery walls indicate plaque build-up beyond safe limits, a follow-up office visit may be necessary to discuss life style changes and/or medication options to control plaque build up.

As the CIMT procedure is still considered a new diagnostic procedure, it may not be covered by your insurance plan. Therefore, the procedure is on a cash basis only. Our cash price is $295.00. Also, a follow-up visit with your physician may be necessary to discuss the results of the procedure and a treatment plan to control arterial plaque build up.