Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds Center Polaris
Your health and convenience are our top priority. We are thrilled to announce that select offices now offer ultrasounds Center services. Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a safe and effective diagnostic tool that allows our physicians to visualize internal structures, aiding in accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Understanding Ultrasound
Ultrasounds center employs high-frequency sound waves to create images of specific organs or structures within your body. A handheld device called a transducer is gently placed on your skin over the area of interest. These sound waves travel through soft tissue and fluids, bouncing back when they encounter denser surfaces, forming real-time images on a screen. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds do not expose you to radiation, making them a safe option.
Diagnostic Ultrasounds at Polaris
Our dedicated medical staff offers a range of diagnostic ultrasounds center services, including:
- Abdominal Exams: Assessing kidneys, gallbladders, livers, spleens, pancreas, and the aorta/IVC.
- Thyroid Exams: Evaluating hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, neck masses, goiters, thyroid disease, nodules, and cysts.
- Obstetric Exams: Confirming pregnancies, assessing first, second, and third trimesters, determining size and dates, and using fetal dopplers.
- Gynecological Exams: Covering pelvic, trans-abdominal, trans-vaginal ultrasounds, and addressing issues like fibroids, IUD placement checks, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, menorrhagia, ovarian cysts, and polyps.
- Vascular Studies: Exploring venous/DVT, arteries, carotid, and aortic aneurysms.
Please note that we do not offer echo ultrasounds at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
You must have an order from a physician to receive diagnostic ultrasound services at Polaris HC. If you need an order, you may visit a Polaris HC Medical Clinic provider to obtain one.
Preparing For Your Ultrasound
To ensure the effectiveness of your ultrasound, please follow these guidelines:
Pelvis
- Maintain a full bladder for the exam. Drink one liter of water or other clear, non-carbonated drinks starting two hours before your appointment, finishing one hour before.
- Do not empty your bladder. If you have a catheter, clamp it off before drinking. You may eat and take your medications.
Abdomen & Pelvis
- Do not eat for six hours before your exam. If you are diabetic, you can have juice (if needed). Maintain a full bladder by drinking 28 ounces of water or other clear, non-carbonated drinks, starting two hours before your appointment, finishing one hour before. Do not empty your bladder.
1st Trimester Pregnancy
- Maintain a full bladder. Drink 28 ounces of water or other clear, non-carbonated drinks, starting two hours before your appointment, finishing one hour before. Do not empty your bladder. You may eat and take your medications normally.
2nd or 3rd Trimester Pregnancy
- Keep your bladder full. Drink 28 ounces of water or other clear, non-carbonated drinks, starting two hours before your appointment, finishing one hour before. Do not empty your bladder. You may eat and take your medications normally.
Gender Reveals
- Gender reveals are non-diagnostic ultrasounds to determine the fetus’s gender, available starting at 16 weeks gestation. One hour before the exam, consume 26-28 ounces of fluid.
- Four 2D digital images will be provided on a USB drive; printed photos are not available.
- If you prefer not to know the gender during the exam, you may receive the results in an envelope. For a diagnostic dating ultrasound, you may see a provider for an order.
Any Other Ultrasound Studies
- No special preparation is required. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual.
Contact one of our ultrasound locations today for an appointment. We accept most major insurances, and we also offer affordable self-pay rates if necessary.
Please note that OB/GYN ultrasounds for evaluating pregnancies may not be covered by insurance. Reach out to your insurance carrier to understand your plan’s coverage.
Elective Ultrasound Services
In addition to diagnostic ultrasounds, we offer non-diagnostic, elective ultrasounds, including gender reveals and 3D/4D ultrasounds. Learn more about these services and find a suitable location by visiting the respective web pages.
