Join Our Team

Ultrasound

Get an Ultrasound at Touchstone Medical Imaging

Ultrasound imaging is used to capture real-time pictures of superficial structures and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

How It Works

Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that is used to produce images of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe, through the gel, and into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image.
Woman getting an abdominal ultrasound

Find A Touchstone Imaging center offering Ultrasound appointments near you!

Reasons for Ultrasound

Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate soft tissue structures in the body, including the thyroid gland, breasts, abdominal and pelvic organs, and testes.

There are also specialty ultrasounds for visualizing the blood flow in arteries and veins:

  • A doppler vascular ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that allows the physician to see and evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs, neck, and/or brain (in infants and children) or within various body organs such as the liver or kidneys.
  • Vascular ultrasound produces precise images and measurements of many blood vessels in the body. It can detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions, enabling the radiologist to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Patient Reviews

Our patients say it best. Touchstone Imaging provides welcoming, comforting outpatient facilities with friendly and helpful staff.

Front office staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Technician was absolutely wonderful. Extremely friendly, kept me informed during the entire process of what she was doing and what would be happening next.
Tina J.
I had to take my 11-year-old in for an MRI of his knee. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a medical office in a long time. Everyone was friendly, informative, and professional.
Jodi E.
I had to get a brain MRI back in November. The check in process was fast and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long before being taken to the back to get prepped for my procedure. The staff made me feel at ease and the environment is very calming and tranquil. The MRI tech checked on me constantly during the procedure and kept me informed as to which part of the exam we are completing. I can’t remember her name but she was very nice and pleasant. If I ever have to get another diagnostic test, I will be returning here.
Brian V.
Everyone was excellent! I was acknowledged and welcomed when I entered the building. Front staff were professional and courteous when discussing paperwork. Friendly smiles. My technician impressed me as being highly trained in her field. Her personal and professional skills are awesome. Enjoyed something I wasn’t looking forward to.
Evangelina B.
Friendly staff. I called and got an appointment that fit my schedule. Quick check in. Relatively short wait time compared to a lot of medical facilities. The technician was friendly, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable. I was out in less than an hour.
Wendy B.
Great place, people, and atmosphere was awesome. The guy that brought me to the back had me laughing the whole way. They checked in on me a few times in the MRI machine to make sure I was doing ok and it made me feel more comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone needing an MRI done.
Jon C.
Previous
Next

Choose accurate imaging and convenient service with Touchstone

Touchstone Medical Imaging offers Ultrasound services at a cost savings of up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging. With over 70 centers, we are in-network with 99% of insurance plans, providing you with a convenient and affordable option for diagnostic imaging. Our facilities are easily accessible, and we offer same-day appointment options to accommodate your schedule.

Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an ultrasound?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. Depending on may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

For most ultrasound exams, you are normally asked to lie down on a comfortable exam table where the area to be examined is exposed while the rest of the body is covered.

After you are positioned on the table, our certified sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area of the body being studied. The sonographer will use a small handheld device called a transducer, which is approximately the size of a bar of soap to complete the exam.  

Then the sonographer places the transducer on the body and gently moves it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.

There is usually no discomfort during the exam when the transducer is pressed against the area being examined.

Once the imaging is complete, the water-based gel will be wiped off your skin, and any portions that are not wiped off will dry to a powder. The ultrasound gel does not stain or discolor clothing.

How should I prepare for an ultrasound?

The preparations for an ultrasound vary depending on the body part you are having scanned.

For studies involving the liver, gallbladder (the gallbladder contracts when food is digesting, so it is very important to follow these directions so the entire gallbladder can be visualized), spleen and pancreas, eat an early low-fat dinner on the night before your exam and have nothing to eat or drink for eight to 12 hours prior to your exam.

For studies of your pelvis, you will need to have a full bladder for this exam. Please drink six eight oz. glasses of liquid. Finish drinking this liquid one hour prior to your exam. Do Not Empty your bladder before the exam.

For studies of your Kidneys, you may be asked to drink four to six glasses of liquid one hour prior to your exam so that your bladder can be visualized.

For studies involving your aorta, please avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours prior to your exam.

There is no preparation if you are having an ultrasound of your breasts, extremities (arms and legs) or other body parts, such as the Thyroid.

Is an ultrasound safe?

Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient.

Does insurance cover an ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging is a preferred diagnostic imaging exam with most health insurance plans. Touchstone Medical Imaging is in-network with 99% of health insurance plans, including Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does insurance require prior authorization for an ultrasound exam?

No, ultrasound imaging is considered a low-modality imaging service and does not require prior authorization from your insurance before your exam.

Touchstone Imaging offers same-day and next-day ultrasound scans at over 70 centers in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida. Find a center near you to schedule your appointment.

*Some or all of the health care providers performing services at Touchstone Imaging are independent contractors and are not Touchstone’s agents or employees. Independent contractors are responsible for their own actions, and Touchstone shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such independent contractors.