Western Baptist Hospital provides patients with information on what to expect when undergoing an ultrasound exam.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that you can't hear to "see" the internal organs in your body.

An ultrasound examination uses no x-rays; it is generally painless and non-invasive (there is nothing injected into your body). There are no known dangers or side effects associated with the use of ultrasonography. It images soft tissue densities and discriminates them well; detects tumors (cystic vs. solid) and lesions, gallstones, and kidney stones; and images the flow of blood in the major arteries.

The individual who will be performing the ultrasound study on you is known as a sonographer. The sonographer will assist you onto the examination table. At this time, transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body being imaged. The only sensation you will have is a slight pressure and movement of the transducer, a hand-held, rod-like microphone device, over the part of the body being imaged. The transducer sends a signal to a computer that processes the data and produces the ultrasound image.

You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions at times. The length of time for the exam varies from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the study. A radiologist (a physician who specializes in ultrasound and x-ray) will interpret your exam and a written report will be sent to your personal physician who ordered the exam.

Live 3D Ultrasound

Live 3D Ultrasound at Western Baptist Hospital is giving expecting families a miraculous view of their unborn child. Click here to learn more.

Sonographers do not interpret exams. We ask that you not question the sonographer for an opinion of your study.

Registering for Your Ultrasound Exam

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests in our Diagnostic Imaging department fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules your ultrasound exam, call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. Be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • your medical record number, if you are familiar with it and you have registered at Western Baptist before;
   • your date of birth;
   • your social security number;
   • your home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • your insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to Diagnostic Imaging.

You may also register online by clicking here.

If you do not take advantage of the Express Check program, plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete the registration process.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound Exam

Each ultrasound exam has required preparations. The most frequently performed exams with their preps are listed. If instructions are not listed, your physician will inform you about your exam or you may call Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department at (270) 575-2600.

Abdomen
Clear liquids for dinner the night before. No carbonated beverages. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Aorta
Same prep as abdomen. The exam takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Gallbladder
Same prep as abdomen. The exam takes 20-40 minutes.

Obstetrical
A full bladder is necessary. Drink 32 ounces of liquid one hour before your scheduled exam time and do not empty your bladder. During the first three months of pregnancy, a vaginal ultrasound is also performed (see Pelvis below). The exam takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Pelvis
A full bladder is necessary. Drink 32 ounces of liquid one hour before your scheduled exam time and do not empty your bladder. Our routine exam may include two studies, one performed externally and one with a vaginal probe. The vaginal probe is slightly larger than a tampon. This probe is inserted into the vagina with very little, if any, discomfort. Both exams take 30 to 45 minutes.

Important Information

Your ultrasound exam must be ordered by a physician. The physician's office will make the appointment for you with our department. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us at (270) 575-2600. so that time can be used for another patient.

If you have questions about your bill, please call Patient Accounts at the appropriate number listed in our phone directory. The radiologist's bill is separate from the hospital's.

For More Information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, please call (270) 575-2600.

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