Helpful Tips for our Ultrasound patients

Scheduling an Appointment

We want to make the scheduling process as easy and convenient for you as possible. An ultrasound exam requires a physician referral. Once we receive the order for the ultrasound from the referring physician we will call you to schedule an appointment and complete the necessary registration over the phone. With pre-registration complete you will then need to arrive the day of your appointment only 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Sometimes the urgency of the test precludes pre-registration and then we ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the time of your appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. Please come prepared with your insurance card, photo ID and co-payment, as insurance co-payments are due at the time of service.

What to Expect

Depending on which body area the ultrasound will examine, the technologist will assist you onto a padded table. The technologist will put a clear, water-based gel on your skin to aid the sound waves into your body and get the best image possible. The technologist will use a device called a transducer that looks similar to a large computer mouse with a cord attached. The transducer sends sound waves into the body and transmits the response back to a computer screen for the doctor to review. Most procedures take from 30-60 minutes to complete. Invasive ultrasound procedures require you to be monitored before being discharged. Please plan on spending a total of 2-4 hours at our facility on the day of your invasive ultrasound.

What to Bring

We advise that you only bring essential items to the hospital. Please leave all valuables including jewelry and cash at home. We recommend you bring the following documents: health insurance card(s), picture identification (driver's license or state ID), credit card or check for insurance co-payment, list of medications you take, prior test results or medical records (if requested by your physician) and any worker's compensation information including billing address and claim number (if applicable).

Parking/On-site Directions

Convenient parking and entry for patients is located on the east side of the hospital, at the doors marked Outpatient Center, just south of the main hospital doors.

What to Wear

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Preparation

Preparation for an ultrasound will vary depending on what area of the body the test is examining. Your physician or scheduler will advise you of any special preparation required at the time the appointment is scheduled.

Results

Your ultrasound results will be sent to your referring physician. For your records we are happy to provide you with a copy of your test on CD.