Ultrasound at the clinic
Most clinics our size send you elsewhere for imaging. We do it here, which usually means the answer comes back in days rather than weeks.
What ultrasound is
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce live images of the inside of the body. There is no radiation, no injection and no recovery time. You lie down, a technician applies gel and moves a small probe over the area, and it is usually finished in fifteen to thirty minutes.
Why your provider may order one
- To investigate pain, swelling or a lump
- To look at an organ when blood work has come back abnormal
- To check blood flow in the legs, arms or neck
- To monitor a known condition over time
- To answer a question before deciding whether you need a specialist
Preparing for your scan
Preparation depends on the study. Some require fasting for several hours, some require a full bladder, and many require nothing at all. We will tell you exactly what to do when the study is booked — please follow it, because an unprepared scan often has to be repeated.
Getting your results
Your images are reviewed and your provider goes through the findings with you — the same provider who ordered the study and knows why. That continuity is the main advantage of having imaging in the same building.
Common questions
Do I need a referral or an order?
An ultrasound must be ordered by a provider. If you are our patient, your Nurse Practitioner can order it. If you are not, call us — in many cases we can arrange a visit and, if it is appropriate, the scan.
Does insurance cover ultrasound?
Most plans cover medically necessary diagnostic ultrasound, though some require prior authorisation. We check your coverage before scheduling and tell you what to expect.
Does it hurt?
No. You may feel light pressure from the probe, and the gel is cool. That is all.
How long does it take?
Usually fifteen to thirty minutes depending on the study.
How soon will I know the result?
Far sooner than a referral out. Your provider reviews the study and goes through it with you.
This is not for emergencies
If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe bleeding, or any symptom that frightens you, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not use this website, and do not wait to see if it passes.