Convenience is important so we offer modern Ultrasound exams at each of our four locations: Huntsville, Madison, Athens and Decatur, AL. We can often accommodate same-day exams and flexible scheduled appointments.
Regardless of location, the cost of an Ultrasound exam is substantially lower than the cost of the same exam performed at a local hospital. We believe that offering value, without compromise, is the right thing to do.
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation and it provides clear pictures of soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-rays.
Ultrasounds are extremely helpful for identifying issues within the body and determining your overall health by examining the body’s internal organs, such as:
Images are captured in real time and can show the movement of the body’s internal organs.
At ODC, we offer a full spectrum of ultrasound procedures ranging from diagnostic breast ultrasound used to supplement screening mammography; general ultrasound procedures most commonly used to evaluate internal organs of abdomen; vascular studies to evaluate the heart and blood flow; and even pediatric exams interpreted by sub-specialized pediatric radiologists.
Because we have multiple ultrasound rooms in each of our locations, we can provide more options for patients needing to schedule an exam. More importantly, we can provide immediate openings for emergency exams such as DVT and Carotid ultrasounds.
An ultrasound shows the details of structures in the abdomen. It can show features like the size and movement of organs, cysts or growths, or fluid collections. An ultrasound of the abdomen is most often done to:
Diagnose an injury or disease
Help determine the cause of abdominal pain, especially appendicitis
Identify gallbladder stones or kidney stones
Assess masses or fluid collections in the abdomen
Assess the cause of abnormal liver or kidney function
Help determine why an internal organ is enlarged
Examine the baby and uterus in pregnant women
Evaluate changes or problems in the blood vessels
ODC Alabama understands that the cost of an imaging exam can be a concern. Our rates for both insured and uninsured patients are substantially lower than the same exam performed at a hospital. We believe that price transparency is important so you can be prepared for your financial obligations, if any. To learn more about what your exam may cost, please click here.
You will be positioned on a table. A gel will be placed over the area that will be checked. The gel helps the sound waves travel from a wand to your body.
The ultrasound machine has a hand-held wand. The wand is pushed against your skin where the gel has been applied. The wand sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the wand. The computer can convert echoes into images on a screen. The images on the screen are examined by the radiologist. A photograph of them may be taken.
You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath
You shouldn't feel any pain
Should last 30 minutes or less
You will be able to return to your normal activities afterward
The radiologist will review the ultrasound images and provide a diagnostic report that will be sent directly to your provider. The report is typically available to your provider within 24 hours. Many providers plan scheduled time to discuss results with their patients so you could check with their office to see when they will be available to review the information with you.
