Why is an elective ultrasound necessary?
Increasingly in the world of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer we have been seeing an ever increasing amount of repetitive diagnostic exams done for the sole purpose of satisfying their patients desire to see their unborn baby and reassure them that everything is alright. This often is done at the expense of the patient insurance companies, and our already overbooked and short staffed ultrasound departments critically important diagnostic schedule. Conversely, due to very conservative providers that believe if there is no existing pregnancy related problems there is no need for an ultrasound. These patients are left to wonder for 40 weeks if their unborn baby will be healthy. Therefore, it seems reasonable that if the medical profession is already providing this service to its patients, that we in the healthcare profession should act responsibly and provide it in the same safe manner, as an elective service chosen and paid for by the client, thus reducing unnecessary healthcare costs an
