POCUS is defined as the acquisition, interpretation, and immediate clinical integration of ultrasonographic imaging performed by a treating clinician at the patient's bedside.
Often, practitioners will refer patients to a radiologist or cardiologist for a separate imaging appointment. This usually means a patient has three appointments before they even have a diagnosis. This can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for the patient and the practitioner.
Having an ultrasound machine in your practice can improve the diagnosis process, making it faster, effective, and safer for both parties.
Ultrasound techniques rely on sound waves and their echoes to visualize tissues in the body. An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of a person's internal body structures. Commonly, we think of fetal ultrasound when we hear the word “ultrasound”, but POCUS is commonly used to view parts of the body that an X-ray may not be able to see.
Ultrasound is imaging of muscle, soft tissue, and other organ/body parts imaging. It clearly shows the structure of organs and that of soft tissues like the pancreas, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and bladder, among others.
Compared to waiting for a radiologist or cardiologist to send over images to your practice, you can use your ultrasound machine to expedite and increase access to imaging; ultimately determining a diagnosis sooner rather than later.
An ultrasound scan typically takes between 20-40 minutes depending on the type of scan. An in-house ultrasound machine eliminates the need for an additional appointment, offering the potential of a diagnosis in less than an hour.
Ultrasound offers a much better spatial resolution than most other imaging techniques. Since ultrasounds provide real-time images of what’s happening in your body, they’re very accurate. High-frequency transducers provide the most detailed resolution possible, meaning an accurate, high-quality image.
Since ultrasound uses low-power sound waves, patients aren't exposed to ionizing radiation, making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans.
Years ago, the major barrier to having ultrasound equipment in private practice was due to the cost. But ultrasound technology has eliminated that barrier, and there are now cost-effective options and alternatives, such as a portable ultrasound machine.
Determining whether or not your practice needs ultrasound can be a tough decision that depends on variables. Adding ultrasound options to your practice enables you to take a proactive approach to patient care. While ultrasound does have its limitations, such as sound waves not traveling well through bone, they are the most effective way to determine a diagnosis for muscles, soft tissue, and other organs and body parts.
At SonoSim, we’re dedicated to improving and transforming medical care by helping practitioners get the ultrasound training they need. If you want to talk more about the benefits of ultrasound technology for your practice, contact the SonoSim team and we’d be happy to provide more insight.