What Ultrasounds Are
Ultrasound is one of the least invasive and most widely used diagnostic medical tools available. Compared to other procedures, an ultrasound study generally involves no discomfort and requires very little patient preparation.
Ultrasound transmits safe, non-invasive, ultra-high frequency sound waves and creates an image from the resulting echoes. These echoes are recorded, processed, and displayed on a screen by a computer.
Unlike X-ray, ultrasound does not require the use of radiation, and it does not focus on bone structures. Rather, ultrasound is used to study internal organs, such as the heart, liver, uterus, ovaries, blood vessels, and other soft tissue structures.
What You Can Expect During Your Ultrasound
During your ultrasound exam, our Sonographer will position you on an exam table, apply a topical gel to the skin (this helps to improve the quality of the images), and pass the transducer several times over the area to be examined.
Depending on the type of study being performed, you may be required to remain motionless, change positions and/or hold your breath.
Who Conducts Your Ultrasound
The person who will perform your exam is a medical professional known as a Sonographer. Our Sonographers are some of the most highly trained and experienced professionals in the country. Each Sonographer is certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS®).
How You Get Results
A full report detailing the findings and interpretation of the results will be provided to your physician. For compliance reasons, our Sonographers cannot discuss the study findings with you until your physician has the final report. Your physician will discuss the ultrasound findings with you after reviewing the final diagnostic report.
Where the Exam Will Take Place
Your ultrasound will be performed right in the comfort of your physician's office. Videre's on-site service means convenience for you.
Preparing for Your Ultrasound
Note: Never withhold medications. You may drink enough water to swallow tablets. If you are diabetic, you may eat something light as needed. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment and check in with the receptionist. To change your appointment, please call your physician’s office. If you have questions regarding you exam preparations, please call 800.890.2813.
Ultrasound Billing Information
Videre's on-site service offers you the benefit of reduced patient cost. Our diagnostics are cost-effective, saving you from facility fees and specialty co-pays that are associated with outside imaging centers.
Preparation for Specific Ultrasound Exams
| Ultrasound Exam | Exam Time (in minutes) |
Patient Preparation & Dietary Restrictions |
Cardiac |
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| Echocardiogram | 45 | No patient preparation required. |
| MCT/Event Monitor | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Long Term Holter 3-5 Days | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| 24 / 48 hr Holter Monitor | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
Vascular |
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| Abdominal Aorta | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Ankle Brachial Index | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Carotid Doppler | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Lower Arterial Doppler w/ ABI | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Lower Venous Doppler | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Upper Arterial Doppler | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Upper Venous Doppler | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Renal Artery Duplex | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Vein Mapping - Upper or Lower | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
General |
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| Abdominal Complete | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Abdominal & Pelvic | 60 | Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to the exam. You must complete drinking 32 oz. of water one hour prior to the exam. You should not empty your bladder once you have started drinking. |
| Bladder | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Medicare AAA Screening | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Pelvic | 30 | No dietary restrictions, except you must complete drinking 32 oz. of water one hour prior to the exam. You should not empty your bladder once you have started drinking. |
| Renal/Retroperitoneal | 30 | No dietary restrictions, except you must complete drinking 32 oz. of water one hour prior to the exam. You should not empty your bladder once you have started drinking. |
| Right Upper Quadrant | 30 | Please do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid fatty foods and carbonated liquids the day prior to your exam. |
| Subcutaneous Mass | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Testicular/Scrotal | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
| Thyroid | 30 | No patient preparation required. |
