Ultrasound captures real-time, moving images. It sends high-frequency sound waves into your body that bounce (echo) off organs and other structures. Special technology converts the echoes to images.

We often use ultrasound to detect subtle differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue. It also assesses internal structures, such as tissue damage or fetus development inside the womb.

Ultrasound techniques we offer include: 

• Traditional: We apply a warm gel to the skin of the exam area, then press a transducer (a device that gives off sound waves) against the area. 

• Doppler ultrasound: This ultrasound scan helps us evaluate the force of blood (velocity) as it flows through vessels. 

• Endoscopic ultrasound: We use a thin tube with a transducer to perform ultrasounds inside your body by passing the probe through your mouth, rectum or vagina.

What happens during your ultrasound scan depends on whether you are having a traditional, Doppler or endoscopic exam. We let you know ahead of time how it works and answer all your questions.

This additional information can help you prepare: 

• Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes before your ultrasound appointment. We’ll need to see a photo ID and your insurance card.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may need to change into a gown. You might also need to remove jewelry.

• Food and drink: For some ultrasound scans, you can eat or drink as usual. With others, we may ask you not to take anything by mouth or arrive with a full bladder.

• Medications: Take medications as you usually would unless our team tells you otherwise.

• Results: A radiologist reads the scan and interprets the results. They share them with your referring physician via electronic medical record.

• Billing: You will receive one bill from the facility providing the scan and another from the radiologist who reads the results. Check with your insurance for specific billing charges to expect.

Ultrasound scans help us diagnose and manage many conditions, such as:

• Acute injuries and illnesses, like bone fractures and appendicitis

• Heart and blood vessel disease, this type of ultrasound is called an echocardiogram and helps us check for narrowed arteries

• Digestive system concerns that include liver disease, gallstones and kidney problems

• Eye issues, such as cataracts or a detached retina

• Menstrual disorders, such as heavy bleeding

• Pregnancy, including the number of fetuses and whether an unborn baby is developing as expected

• Urologic concerns, like difficulty controlling your bladder (incontinence) and prostate issues