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Ultrasound

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Ultrasound

Your healthcare provider may recommend imaging tests to create the best care plan for you. An ultrasound can help you get the most accurate diagnosis. This minimally invasive, painless test creates images that help healthcare providers diagnose, treat and monitor your condition.

At Baptist Health, you can expect an ultrasound experience that is:

  • High quality. Our experienced ultrasound technologists provide detailed reports that providers rely on to form an accurate diagnosis. High-quality images and reports lead to high-quality care.
  • Friendly. Our team can answer all your questions so you know what to expect during the test. Board-certified radiologists and technologists guide you through the process and prioritize your comfort, safety and positive experience.
  • Convenient. Choose from one of our many locations close to you.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of soft tissue and structures inside your body. It can show any part of the body that has water (not bones).An ultrasound technician guides a probe over the designated area to create real-time images. They then select the best pictures to take so your provider can find or confirm a diagnosis.

Healthcare providers use ultrasounds for many different reasons and conditions in patients of all ages. An ultrasound exam is a safe and painless process. It can take around 30 minutes, depending on the imaging area.

Some of the most common types of ultrasound exams include:

  • Abdominal: Evaluates organs like the kidneys or liver
  • Breast: Used to evaluate lumps, cysts or pain
  • Heart and vascular: Ultrasounds can find blockages in veins
  • Pelvic: Takes images inside the vagina or rectum
  • Prenatal: Tracks the development of an embryo or fetus in the womb
  • Scrotal: Used to examine a lump, pain or abnormality

What can I expect at my ultrasound appointment?

When scheduling your ultrasound appointment, the scheduling team will provide prep instructions and answer any questions. Depending on the body part and the purpose of your ultrasound, you may have special steps to follow. In general, you can expect the following experience:

    • You may need to follow specific eating or drinking instructions. For example, most people getting an abdominal ultrasound may need to fast for eight hours beforehand. However, people getting a pelvic ultrasound may need to stay hydrated and keep a fuller bladder for sound waves to pass through.
    • Unless instructed otherwise, you should continue to take your usual medications.
    • We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and removing any jewelry near the ultrasound area.

  • Your ultrasound technologist will be with you throughout the entire process. They will first ask you to remove any clothing that would cover the imaging area. You will then lie down comfortably on an exam table.

    The technologist will apply gel to a wand or probe so it can transmit sound waves into the body. They then place the probe on the outside of the skin or inside the body (depending on the ultrasound area). As the technologist moves the wand, real-time images will appear on their computer screen, and they select the best pictures for your provider.

  • After your ultrasound, you can clean the gel from your skin and rearrange any clothing. You can continue all of your everyday activities without interruption. Our board-certified radiologists will interpret your test results and send them to your physician within24 to 48 hours. You can see them as soon as they’re available through The Baptist Health PineApp.

What are the risks or side effects of an ultrasound?

Researchers have found no known risks or side effects of getting an ultrasound. Physicians have used ultrasound imaging for over 20 years, and it has an excellent safety record.

How do I get an ultrasound?

If your provider believes an ultrasound will help your diagnosis, treatment or care, they will prescribe one. Once your provider gives you a prescription, you can call Baptist Health to schedule your appointment at a convenient diagnostic imaging location.

How much does an ultrasound cost?

The cost of your ultrasound will depend on your insurance. After your provider has prescribed an ultrasound, our Pre-registration and Authorization Department will confirm the price with you.

If your insurance does not cover an ultrasound, you can choose to self-pay. Our Central Pricing Office will work with you to arrange your payment schedule.

Schedule your Ultrasound today.

We have diagnostic imaging locations from Palm Beach to Monroe County.

Baptist Health is here to support you through every stage of your health journey, beginning with getting your ultrasound at any of our diagnostic imaging locations. Online appointment scheduling is available for an ultrasound. Select a convenient location on the map to schedule.

Frequently asked questions about ultrasound

  • An ultrasound exam usually takes 30 minutes or less, depending on the body part and purpose of the exam. During that time, your technologist uses the probe to find the best view to take pictures.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes you can easily adjust or remove. Remove any jewelry or accessories from the ultrasound area.

  • You will get your ultrasound results in 24 to 48 hours. The fastest and easiest way to see your results is through the PineApp. Baptist Health’s app helps you easily manage your healthcare — including viewing ultrasound results — from any mobile device.

  • Ultrasounds use non-ionizing radiation, which means they don’t have the same radiation exposure risks as other imaging tests. Ultrasounds have proven to be extremely safe, and providers have used them for over 20 years.

  • No, an ultrasound is painless and minimally invasive. If you have existing pain in the ultrasound area, the wand pressure may feel uncomfortable. Always tell your ultrasound technologist if you feel any pain so they can be aware and make adjustments as needed.

Proven Quality

Proven Quality

The ultrasound machines used at Baptist Health produce clear, high-quality images your provider can use to accurately diagnose and treat you. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology, so our medical imaging staff meet the needed experience and qualifications and complete continuing education regularly.

Schedule your Ultrasound

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