So you’ve been scheduled for an ultrasound? Or, maybe the doctor has recommended you come in for an ultrasound and you have questions before you schedule? Regardless of your status on our calendar, it’s good you’re here. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit down. Let’s go over some of the questions you may have about the Ultrasound.
I’m not pregnant. Why am I getting an ultrasound done?
An ultrasound, though it is most well-known among non-doctors as the imaging pregnant women get done to track the progress of their unborn children, is actually a term that simply refers to imaging created by sound waves passing through your body. In essence, imagine that when you yelled at an object, you were able to get feedback about what the inside of it looked like. Pretty neat, I’ll say.
But in your particular case, it sounds like the doctor wants to get a look at what may be causing you grief or pain by developing imaging of your pelvic floor. Not unlike the cystoscopy, the ultrasound allows the doc to get his bearings for a potential surgery.
Will I need an ultrasound if I’m not planning to have surgery?
We don’t do one size fits all medicine. You will have to consult with the doctor to determine if an ultrasound is in your best interest. It is one of the many diagnostic tools that we use to determine the best plan of care for you. In that regard, you may need an ultrasound for surgery, but you may also need an ultrasound done in order for the doctor to develop a non-surgical plan of care for you. For a yes or no, please call the office. If you are a new patient, you will need to schedule an appointment to be seen.
How long is the imaging usable? Can I get the testing done now and have surgery next year?
The ultrasound reflects the state of your condition at the time imaging is done. Ideally, the ultrasound is scheduled and performed in close proximity to the surgery. However, the shelf life of the ultrasound results is at the discretion of the doctor based on any potentially significant changes in your presenting symptoms. For an answer specific to you, call the office. Please allow for up to 72 hours for an answer. However, we will do our absolute best to get you an answer within a much shorter time frame. Thank you for being patient with us!
Can I have the ultrasound done outside of the office?
Unfortunately, no. Our Doctor performs each and every ultrasound in the office. He knows what he is looking for and needs to be able to maneuver the ultrasound at will. Additionally, if Dr. Hoyte notices anything of special note during the procedure, he needs to be able to investigate it at that time. We would hate to have to send you back for additional imaging if Dr. Hoyte noticed something on the results that warranted further review and didn’t get it.
Do I have to come to the Tampa office?
Simply put: yes. The fact is that we only have on ultrasound machine, and it is a very delicate piece of machinery. For your safety and for the safety of the machine, we do not transport it with us when we are in Sarasota. However, if you are a normally based out of the Sarasota office, we will do everything in our power to minimize the number of visit you must make to Tampa.
What do I need to do to prepare for the ultrasound?
The ultrasound is not a terribly complicated procedure to prepare for or to undergo. In advance of the procedure, we simply ask that you come into the office with a comfortably full bladder on the day of your appointment. If you arrive early and urgently need to urinate, please notify the receptionist. It may be possible for you to empty your bladder and drink enough water to refill your bladder prior to your appointment time. Bottled water is available upon request.
What questions did we miss? Leave a comment with your question below, and we’ll be sure to get back to you ASAP.
Until next time, be well and stay healthy!