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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. It does not use radiation and has been used in medical imaging for decades.

At Sound Prevention Screenings, all exams are performed by registered diagnostic medical sonographers using high-quality ultrasound equipment similar to that used in hospitals and imaging centers.

What is the difference between a screening ultrasound and a diagnostic ultrasound?

A screening ultrasound is performed proactively to look for potential abnormalities before symptoms are present. Screening exams are elective, limited in scope, and designed to provide early insight and peace of mind. They do not diagnose conditions.

A diagnostic ultrasound is ordered by a healthcare provider when symptoms, abnormal lab results, or prior imaging findings are present. Diagnostic exams are more targeted and are part of a medical workup that may lead to a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sound Prevention Screenings provides screening ultrasounds only. Any findings identified during a screening exam should be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can determine if diagnostic imaging or further evaluation is needed.

What do you screen?

Our elective ultrasound screenings evaluate multiple organs and organ systems to look for abnormalities that may be visible on ultrasound. Areas screened may vary depending on the package selected.

Screening areas may include:

Carotid arteries (neck)
Thyroid
Abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
Abdominal aorta (AAA screening)
Pelvic organs (uterus & ovaries) or prostate
Bladder
Breast ultrasound (screening only)
Lower extremity circulation

These screenings are designed to provide early insight and peace of mind and are not intended to provide a medical diagnosis. Any findings should be reviewed with your healthcare provider for appropriate follow-up.

How long does an ultrasound screening take?

The length of your ultrasound screening depends on the package selected.
Approximate screening times include:

Women’s Comprehensive Screening: 60 minutes
Women’s Limited Screening: 30 minutes
Men’s Comprehensive Screening: 30 minutes
Breast Screening (Breasts & Axilla): 30 minutes
Vascular Only Screening: 15 minutes

Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in. Screening times are estimates and may vary slightly based on individual anatomy and imaging needs.

Do you take insurance?

No. Sound Prevention Screenings is a self-pay service and does not bill insurance.

Our ultrasound services are designed to be elective early-detection screening tools only and are not intended to provide a medical diagnosis. For this reason, insurance is not accepted.

Many clients successfully use HSA or FSA funds or submit receipts to their insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

What forms of payment do you accept?

At this time, we accept the following forms of payment:

Cash
Check
PayPal
Venmo
Credit cards

Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee. Payment may be made at the time of your appointment.

Is there any preparation required before my screening?

Preparation depends on the screening package selected.

Women’s Comprehensive Screening
Women’s Limited Screening
Men’s Comprehensive Screening

For these packages, we ask that you fast for 4 hours prior to your appointment and arrive with a full bladder.

Vascular Only Screening
Breast Only Screening (Breasts & Axilla)

No preparation is required for these screenings.

Specific preparation instructions will be emailed to you at the time of booking along with your appointment confirmation.

Do I need a doctor’s order to schedule a screening?

No. A physician’s order is not required.

Our services are elective ultrasound screenings, meaning you can schedule proactively without symptoms or referrals.

How will I receive my results?

Once your screening is completed, your ultrasound images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, who will dictate a formal report.

Your report will be delivered securely through our HIPAA-compliant platform, Spruce Health, within 7 days of your screening ultrasound.

We recommend that all screening reports be shared with your personal healthcare provider. Sound Prevention Screenings does not diagnose conditions or provide medical advice. Any findings should be discussed directly with your healthcare provider for appropriate follow-up.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

You may cancel or reschedule directly through your initial booking confirmation email, or by contacting us at 985-304-5442.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. However, due to the high demand for our services, we often have a waiting list, and adequate notice allows us to offer your appointment time to another client.

Does Sound Prevention Screenings recommend an ultrasound instead of a mammogram?

No. Ultrasound is not a replacement for a mammogram.

Breast ultrasound may be used as a supplemental screening tool, particularly for individuals with dense breast tissue, but it does not replace routine mammography or standard screening guidelines. Clients are encouraged to follow their physician’s recommendations for breast health screening.