Undergoing an ultrasound is a common procedure recommended by physicians if a patient is experiencing health issues with no clear results. If your doctor suggests you to go one, here are the things you should know. The information provided here is intended to help you understand how an ultrasound is performed and what the doctor may find. This does not constitute medical advice.
What is an ultrasound?
It is the use of high-tech sound waves to create a picture of what’s going on inside your body. This is a safe, non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to make pictures of your internal organs. These “sonograms” show the size, shape and structure of your organs. An ultrasound can detect many conditions, such as cysts, tumors, polyps (small growths on the wall of your colon), gallstones and more.
This involves using sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. The sound waves are beamed into your body using a tiny tube (called a “transducer”) that is placed either on the outside of your body near your skin or, more commonly, on the inside of your body where there is no skin. An ultrasound reveals detailed images of organs, blood vessels, tumors and other structures within your body. How does an ultrasound work? The sound waves produced by the transducer pass through your body and bounce off structures such as bones, muscles, organs and blood cells. The echoes from these bounces are picked up by the transducer and sent back to a machine which creates a picture or “image” of your body. This image is displayed on a screen and can be seen by the doctor or technician performing the test. Some people call this “watching paint dry.”
How it is performed?
You will lie on a table that slides into a device that looks like a large, round, vertical speaker. A gel-like substance will be applied to your skin to make sure the sound waves can travel to the area being examined. The technician will press a button and send high-tech sound waves through your body. These waves will bounce off any solid objects (such as your organs) and return to the device where they will be recorded on a video monitor. The technician will watch the monitor and draw what he sees on a piece of paper. This gives the doctor a graphic picture of what’s going on inside your body. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound for any of the following reasons:
Why would a doctor order an ultrasound?
Doctors use ultrasounds for several reasons:
- To check for cancer in early stages When your doctor suspects that you have cancer, he or she will probably want to take a look at your organs with an ultrasound. This will help confirm the diagnosis. Early detection can improve your chances of survival.
- To detect certain problems before they become serious With an ultrasound, your doctor can watch your internal organs “dance” to the sound of the ultrasound machine. If there is something wrong (like a growth on the wall of your colon), the ultrasound will show it as an area of abnormal or “dubious” movement. Your doctor may recommend other tests to find out if there is anything really wrong.
- To find out if there is an obvious injury such as a broken bone.
- To find out if there is an infection such as a urinary tract infection or an abscessed tooth.
- To check if your unborn baby is safe.
What should I do if I need an ultrasound?
The first thing you should do is ask your doctor for a referral. You may already know some of the details about the test (like how much it costs) but, your doctor still needs to give you a referral and tell you where and when to go. Some doctors will do this over the phone while others will require you to come in for a office visit. If you are going to have an ultrasound by yourself, it is best to have the test at a hospital or clinic. This is because many hospitals and clinics have special arrangements with insurance companies which allows them to give tests without charging anything extra. Plus, having the test performed in a medical facility will give you peace of mind. If you decide to go this route, simply call your health insurance company and ask if they have a policy which covers ultrasound tests. If they do, great! But if not, you should call your doctor or clinic and ask if they can recommend someone who can perform the tests for you. Many doctors will know exactly which facilities have these special arrangements with insurance companies.
How much is an ultrasound without insurance?
Because there are so many factors involved, it is impossible to give a precise answer to this question. But, here are some approximate figures:
Cost of ultrasound without insurance: $155 – $1000
This cost may vary depending on your doctor, where you get the test performed, and on what part of the body you are getting an ultrasound on. For example, bone ultrasound can range from $30 to $300 for the entire exam. Do not expect your doctor to tell you the exact cost of the ultrasound until after the test is completed.
Also, keep in mind that even if you do not have insurance, you may be able to get a discount if you pay with cash instead of a credit card. Ask your doctor or call your local medical office supply store for more information. Many plans have an exclusion for “elective” tests. “Elective” means that you can choose to have the test if you want but your insurance will not pay for it. Your doctor may be able to get an “exception” to the insurance company’s rule if he or she feels it is medically necessary. You should ask your doctor if there is any way that he or she can get an exception to the insurance company’s rule.
What Should I Expect From My Doctor?
Your doctor will probably ask you a few questions and then he or she will order the test. Sometimes, a doctor will recommend the ultrasound as a “precaution.” If this is the case, it will probably be because something in your medical history (such as a previous cancer diagnosis) raises a concern about your health. In other words, your doctor may want to make sure you are in good health before ordering the test.