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FHDI: Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, efficient and comfortable outpatient procedure which helps evaluate medical conditions.
This section answers most questions about the ultrasound studies provided at First Hill Diagnostic Imaging. We invite you to study it and to ask any additional questions you may have before scheduling your patient.
Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the body's internal organs. Patients are able to see these ultrasound pictures on a screen during the examination, which will then be filmed for permanent record. Our radiologists will study these films, then dictate a report that will be sent to you.
What to expect
For most ultrasound exams, the patient is asked to change some of their clothing and wear a hospital gown.
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| The advantages of ultrasound include: |
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No X-rays |
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Noninvasive, except for Amniocentesis and Biopsies |
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No intravenous or oral contrast needed |
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No known health risks or side effects |
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A warm gel will be applied to the skin. This clear gel conducts the sound beam and allows the ultrasound probe to pass smoothly over the skin. The gel will be removed after the examination, and it will not stain skin or clothing.
There are no special precautions, warnings or contraindications for noninvasive ultrasound examinations.
How ultrasound imaging works
Once you advise us about your patient's symptoms and possible diagnosis, the sonographer (the medical person conducting the examination) will ask additional questions about symptoms, and then ultrasonically scan the area(s) of concern. Ultrasound studies are often used to determine the shape, size, position, or possible abnormalities of the organs within the abdomen and pelvis, or to study a pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used to study the anatomy of blood vessels and blood flow.
Ultrasound pictures are produced by directing a small beam of high-frequency sound waves at the organs being studied. The sound waves echo or bounce off the body's internal structures. The returning echoes are then received by the imaging equipment to produce pictures on a TV screen.
Abdominal and general ultrasound
Abdominal imaging is used on male and female patients of all ages to assess the internal organs, most commonly:
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| Abdominal: |
kidney, liver, gallbladder, lymph nodes, pancreas, spleen, aorta |
| General: |
thyroid, breast, testes/scrotum |
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Preparing for the exam
For an abdominal ultrasound, the patient should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to the examination. They should also continue to take prescribed medications. Diabetic patients should modify their insulin dosage as recommended by their doctors.
For other examinations in the general category, no preparation is necessary.
Other, more specialized studies with ultrasound provide guidance for genetic amniocentesis.
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| There are two reasons to have a full bladder for exam: |
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it displaces bowel up out of pelvis |
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it provides an acoustic "window" through which the sound waves can readily pass |
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The full bladder requirement may be modified if your patient is in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Vascular
First Hill also conducts vascular exams, which evaluate blood circulation and abnormalities that can occur with vascular disease. These exams most often focus on the carotid artery (neck) and veins in the arms and legs.
Vascular ultrasound produces black-and-white and color images of the blood vessels and assesses the dynamics of blood flow.
The amplified sound of the patient's blood flow is heard as the doppler measurements are being made.
Preparing for the exam
No special preparation is necessary. You may ask your patient to refrain from eating the morning of the exam if their vascular ultrasound study involves the upper abdomen.
Billing
We are preferred providers for most health plans. As a courtesy, we will bill the patients insurance program on their behalf. Ultimately, they are responsible for payment.
For any portion not paid by their insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. Accounts are due within 30 days from the time of service.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
Our physicians are board-certified radiologists. They have many years of diagnostic imaging experience with CT scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility.
First Hill's doctors participate in clinical research projects, and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our technologists and support staff are exemplary. We are committed to making each visit comfortable and personalized.
We invite you to call with any questions, comments or concerns.
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