PELVIC ULTRASOUND SERVICES
 
Why do ultrasound?
There are many reasons why your doctor may recommend ultrasound testing.  The following list provides you with some of the more common uses of ultrasound in the non-pregnant patient.

To evaluate the cause of:
* Abnormal bleeding
* Pelvic pain
* Pelvic masses
* Infertility
* To follow up a known ovarian cyst
* To assess the growth of known uterine fibroids
* To screen for ovarian cancer.
* To evaluate the pelvic anatomy when physical examination is impossible or limited.

What will happen during the procedure?
In most patients a narrow vaginal ultrasound probe is used to obtain clear images of uterus, cervix and ovaries.  This procedure is painless, and lasts only a few minutes.

In rare cases, the images are taken using an ultrasound probe on the abdomen.  These images are usually inferior in quality to those obtained from a vaginal probe.

You will be able to see the examination on a TV screen during the procedure, and the basic findings will be explained to you.  After the examination you will have an opportunity to discuss the actual results with the doctor.  The anatomic findings as will be relayed to your primary doctor will be given to you, but the discussion as to necessary treatments or additional testing should be left to your referring physician.
 
What should I do to prepare for this procedure?
Your ultrasound test does not require a full bladder in most cases.  If your doctor has specifically requested a trans-abdominal scan, then we do recommend you drink four glasses of water just prior to coming for the ultrasound exam.
 
NOTE:  DO NOT BRING SMALL CHILDREN to the exam, as they become easily bored and may disrupt your attention, or that of the sonographer.  A family member may be asked to attend your small child in the waiting room, and may miss seeing the exam.
 
What about insurance?
Come to your appointment a bit ahead of the scheduled appointment to fill out the appropriate paperwork.  If you anticipate insurance covering this procedure, you may need a referral from your primary physician, and/or an authorization number for the test.  We can not perform the exam if a referral is needed for the ultrasound examination to be covered by your carrier.

Many carriers have limitations on the indications for or the number of ultrasound examinations, and you should be prepared to pay at the time of service if the test is not a covered service.

Ovarian cancer screening, for example, may not be covered by your insurance or managed care provider.