Ultrasound

Pueblo Radiology was an early adopter of ultrasound technology as a means of diagnosing disease.  We take pride in our technologist and physician expertise in performing these now relatively routine imaging tests.  Our facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology, our technologists are licensed as diagnostic medical sonographers, and our physicians have specialized training and experience in evaluating these studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I wear?
Most likely you will be asked to put on a patient gown. Wear clothing that is easily removed and comfortable.

What happens during the test?
You will lie on a padded table and a specially trained technologist will perform your exam. Most of the testing will have you lying on your back, but you could be asked to lie onto your side or stomach. The scanning process is painless. A thin gel will be put on the area to be scanned. This allows the ultrasound device (transducer) to slide across your skin and facilitates the transmission of sound waves.

Is there any special preparation for my ultrasound exam?
Different ultrasound exams require specific preps. Please go to the ultrasound prep area of this site for preps specific to your ultrasound test.

How long do ultrasound studies take?
They vary. Some carotid and extremity studies may take as long as 90 minutes. Most testing ranges from 30-60 minutes. Please ask our staff for specific situations.

When do I know the results?
Your M.D. usually will receive the results of your ultrasound exam in 24 hours following your test. You should contact your M.D. so that they can discuss your results with you and answer any of your questions. If you are returning to your M.D. immediately following your ultrasound, please inform your ultrasound technologist.

What is a transvaginal exam?
This type of pelvic exam involves the insertion of an ultrasound probe into the vagina. This is necessary in many cases to best visualize the female reproductive system, such as the uterus and ovaries.

What is a transrectal exam?
This exam is typically done to visualize the prostate gland in male patients. It involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum.

Can I have a tape of my baby made for me to take home?
Pueblo Radiology does not provide this service.

Can I come in and get pictures of my baby?
Pueblo Radiology does not provide this service. Pueblo Radiology performs OB ultrasound exams at the request of a referring physician. Like all diagnostic testing, an appropriate reason is required for a specific examination.

What qualifications does Pueblo Radiology possess in Ultrasound?
Pueblo Radiology is accredited by the American College of Radiology in obstetric, vascular, and general ultrasound. These accreditations assure you that we meet or exceed the medical standards for conducting, interpreting, and documenting your ultrasound study. Our physicians are board certified to interpret ultrasound studies and our technologists are board certified in all the various body areas. When we perform your study, you can be assured that your study is properly performed, thoroughly documented, and that a specific report of the findings will be sent to your M.D. in writing.

More Information:

Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is typically used in a focused manner to “problem-solve”, most often in conjunction with physical examination and mammography, and determine whether an abnormality on a mammogram is a solid or cystic tumor. As the image quality of ultrasound has continued to improve, the medical community’s awareness of the power of ultrasound in detecting subtle breast abnormalities has been heightened. The technology is very patient-friendly, in that the patient simply lies on their back while a licensed technologist passes the ultrasound probe over the breast(s). This directed, problem-solving type of exam takes approximately 15 - 30 minutes, requires no preparation by the patient, and is covered under most health insurance plans.

Once the images have been obtained, the radiologist reviews the images, as often as possible in comparison with your prior breast imaging studies. The radiologist summarizes the results on a written report which is then sent to your referring physician.

Consultative Ultrasound Breast Screening
(Screening Breast Ultrasound with Radiologist Consult)

The evolution of Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography) technology, combined with the growing recognition of its effectiveness in detecting breast abnormalities that can be invisible on mammograms, has led to a new imaging service at Pueblo Radiology.

This service is designed for women with breast tissue that is considered “Dense” or “Extremely Dense” by mammogram, and who desire additional confidence that they do not have breast cancer. It may be most valuable in women who have a family history of breast cancer (in mother, sister, or daughter).

Some patients and their doctors have urged us for several years to provide this type of exam, which includes the entirety of both breasts, for women who do not have a lump that can be felt, or any specific abnormality found by mammogram. As the image quality of Ultrasound has continued to improve, and the medical community’s awareness of the power of Ultrasound in detecting subtle breast abnormalities has been heightened, we are now prepared to introduce our whole breast screening program to meet this need.

Ultrasound, when used in a focused manner to “problem-solve” (e.g., to determine whether an abnormality on a mammogram is a solid tumor or merely a benign cyst), is typically reimbursed by medical insurers. However, this screening use of ultrasound is not yet accepted by major insurance carriers. Therefore, women desiring this exam will be expected to pay for it at the time of service. The charge is $290.

This ultrasound screening exam does not replace the annual physical breast examination by your physician or the yearly mammogram (for women age 40 or greater), but is supplemental.

The examination will be performed first by the ultrasound technologist. One of our specialized breast imaging radiologists will then perform additional scanning and provide a discussion of findings and recommendations. Typically the examination takes 30 - 45 minutes to complete. If abnormalities are detected that require further evaluation, including follow-up studies or biopsy, these will be arranged through your referring physician and will be billed to insurance in the usual manner.

The whole breast ultrasound examination needs to be scheduled in advance so that the proper specialized personnel are available. Although you may self-schedule, you will need to designate a clinical physician or other qualified health care provider to be the recipient of the formal (written) interpretation of the exam. Please call 805.682.7744 for any questions or to schedule an appointment.