POLICY:

Diagnostic ultrasound procedures are medical examinations. As such, the Ultrasound Department requires that only the patient and the sonographer be present in the exam room during the procedure. The presence of family members or children in the room may distract the sonographer from their professional duties. For safety reasons, children are not allowed in the exam room due to potential hazards posed by medical equipment and supplies. Administrative staff are not available to supervise children, as their focus must remain on other patients. Patients should either leave children at home or bring another adult to supervise them in the waiting area.

Obstetric (OB) sonograms can be particularly complex and time-consuming, requiring precise measurements for diagnostic reports. Certain information displayed on the screen during the exam should only be accessible to radiologists and physicians.

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PURPOSE:

To provide the sonographer with an environment that promotes focus and concentration, ensuring the capture of high-quality images for the most accurate diagnosis without interruption or distractions.

 

PROCEDURES:

All Ultrasound Procedures:

•  All family members must remain in the waiting room during the patient's ultrasound examination.

• Children are not permitted in the exam room for safety reasons.

OB Ultrasound:

• The sonographer will escort the patient to the ultrasound room for the examination.

• Spouses and/or family members must wait in the waiting room until the sonographer completes the exam.

• After the exam, the spouse or one family member will be invited into the exam room to view the fetus.

• All cell phones must be turned off while in the exam room.

• No photos are allowed to be taken in the exam room.

• Technologists are not permitted to discuss the exam results with patients.

Exceptions to this policy:

• In cases of suspected fetal demise, the patient will be allowed one family member in the room for support.

• If the patient is handicapped, mentally disabled, or a minor, they will be allowed one family member or caregiver in the room for assistance.

• If the patient is unable to speak English, an interpreter will be allowed in the room to help overcome the language barrier.

• Guide dogs and other service animals are always permitted to accompany patients with disabilities.