To my provider friends.
Optimizing Ultrasound Orders for Effective Healthcare
When scheduling an ultrasound, understanding the correct procedure to order is crucial for both cost-effectiveness and patient care. If you’re uncertain about the type of ultrasound needed, we encourage you to contact our team for guidance. In cases like the Abdomen Limited Ultrasound, where numerous clinical concerns may arise, a single order might not suffice. This scenario often extends beyond the realm of imaging guidelines—it’s a matter of insurance specifications that could influence the patient’s expenses while placing ultrasound orders.
We aim to make healthcare accessible and affordable, ensuring we gather all necessary information without overstepping our professional boundaries. Only licensed technologists have the authority to modify an order, and such changes require your explicit approval. We often find ourselves in a tight spot, trying to contact your office for clarification or additional orders amidst our busy schedules. We greatly appreciate and encourage communication through calls, EPIC Chats, Teams messages, and more. By strengthening our collaborative relationships, we can ensure smoother operations and enhanced care for our shared patients.
Optimizing Ultrasound Orders: Understanding Pelvic Exams
For pelvic exams, it’s essential to verify whether your chosen imaging center employs both abdominal and vaginal approaches, as these methods involve different preparations and charges. For instance, a full bladder is necessary for one approach but not for the other, making patient preparation a pivotal factor.
Optimizing Ultrasound Orders: Specificity in Ultrasound Requests
It’s also important to specify the need clearly in your ultrasound requests. For example, placing an order for an Abdomen Complete Ultrasound with a note like “r/o hernia” will likely lead to adjustments in the order to focus solely on the hernia. If you need a comprehensive abdominal examination that includes assessments of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, detailed reasoning must accompany your request beyond ruling out a hernia. This specificity helps us target our imaging to address all relevant health concerns effectively.
This clarity not only streamlines our processes but also reduces frustration across all parties involved, fostering a mutually respectful working environment. Our ultimate goal aligns with yours: to prioritize the well-being of patients, which they undoubtedly sense and appreciate. Effective communication and detailed requests are key to achieving this shared objective.
Jessica Dugan, RDMS
