From routine prenatal care to investigating disease in the body, our radiologists are experts in reading ultrasound results.
When your doctor needs additional information to diagnose your condition, they may order an ultrasound to get a detailed view of internal structures in real time. Ultrasounds, or sonography, uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce live, moving images of soft tissues inside your body. In many cases, this results in better images than an X-ray.
While ultrasound exams are most commonly known for examining a baby in the mother’s womb, they’re also a painless and effective way to investigate disease affecting the following parts of the body:
- Blood vessels
- Breast
- Gallbladder
- Heart
- Kidney
- Liver
At our MedStar Radiology Network, we use the latest imaging technology to perform and interpret ultrasound exams in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region. And because our radiologists have advanced training in specific subspecialties, you can expect your ultrasound to result in the most accurate diagnosis. This ensures you can take the right next steps.
Get the Answers you Need
Locations
It’s fast and easy to get the answers you need.
We believe that when you need answers, you shouldn’t have to wait. That’s why many of our ultrasound services are located within MedStar Health's multi-specialty care centers, where you’ll find primary and specialty care, as well as lab and imaging services.
When you need an ultrasound from our MedStar Radiology Network, you can expect:
- Options to request an appointment online (Our staff will call you to schedule.)
- Evening and weekend hours by appointment (Call for availability.)
- Results read by sub-specialized radiologists
- Expedited results
- Insurance coverage for most major health plans
To better assist you, please have the following available when you call:
- Insurance information
- Physician order if you have one. A physician's order or referral is required for all exams.
The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t have a primary care provider? That’s okay, we can help. Click here to see available providers near you.
Patient testimonials
"I have been to this facility a couple of times and I love it. The staff is extremely friendly and warm. The process of procedures are always professional and they make sure you leave with a copy of your results. I will never go anywhere else now."
-T. Wilson, patient, MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus-Google Review
"Helpful and friendly staff. I arrived right at the time of my appointment and was serviced right away.”
-M. Farmer, patient, MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre-Google Review
"My appointment went smoothly. It was pretty much on time and the technician and doctor were capable and caring."
-C. Herman, patient, MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre-Google Review
Our locations
About our MedStar Radiology Network
Our MedStar Radiology Network is a group of over 120 sub-specialized radiologists who are experts in using the latest imaging modalities to provide diagnosis, consultation, and intervention. We offer state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies to provide the clearest, most detailed images possible.
At our MedStar Radiology Network, you’ll find:
MedStar Radiology Network is part of MedStar Health, the region’s largest healthcare system, which includes thousands of specialists, ten hospitals, urgent care sites, outpatient clinics, and multi-specialty centers. With one electronic health record, we stay in close and constant communication with your entire care team so we can work together to deliver the best possible care.
To better assist you, please have the following available when you call:
- Insurance information
- Physician order if you have one. A physician's order or referral is required for all exams.
The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t have a primary care provider? That’s okay, we can help. Click here to see available providers near you.
Frequently asked questions
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What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses soundwaves instead of radiation to produce moving images from inside the body. Also known as sonography, an ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to monitor a fetus. But, an ultrasound can also be used for a variety of other conditions.
In addition to monitoring your baby during pregnancy, at our MedStar Radiology Network, we use ultrasound technology to:- Investigate swelling and infection
- Guide biopsies
- Diagnose heart conditions
- Look for tumors in organs and surrounding soft tissues where X-rays may not produce the best image
- ...and more.
During an ultrasound, a technician will use a small instrument called a transducer over the area of the body being examined. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off of your organs and produce an echo, which results in real-time images of the inside of your body. Ultrasound images are projected on a display screen that your radiologist or ultrasound technician will monitor throughout your exam.
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How long will an Ultrasound take?
Most ultrasounds take no more than 20 to 30 minutes to complete. -
How should I prepare for an Ultrasound?
Preparation for an ultrasound will vary based on the part of your body that will be scanned. Your doctor or radiologist will provide you with instructions before your appointment.
When you arrive for a procedure, you will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the facility. You are required to wear a mask at all times during your visit. If you do not have an appropriate mask, one will be provided to you. To ensure the safety of all, we are limiting the number of visitors to our centers. Please come alone to your appointment. If you must be accompanied for extra assistance, please bring only one individual with you.
Our care team will be wearing protective equipment, so you may not see their entire face. Even though we are wearing masks for safety, we will still be able to communicate with you and it will not affect your care. -
When will I get my Ultrasound results?
We promptly send a report of your ultrasound results to your ordering physician to support timely follow-up and care.