Ultrasound Orders – Do you know how to avoid getting ‘clarification’ calls?

Be specific:  If you convey the reason you are ordering the exam, it increases the likelihood the ultrasound technologist will perform the exam that you need to address the patient’s symptoms.  ICD-10 codes help the billers, but not the technician doing the test!

Include ‘specific areas of interest’…  What are your suspicions?

Are you trying to R/O a diagnosis? - Appendicitis?  Intussusception? Pyloric stenosis?

Do you want to EVALUATE a suspicion?  - Hernia? Gallbladder? Kidney? Ovary?

Details matter and help guide the ultrasound technician to perform the test that can best inform your suspicions and inform your plan of care for the patient.

Descriptions to AVOID:  Abdominal pain is the most common, vague reason we see on orders.  If ‘abdominal pain’ is the only information on the order, we will call your office for clarification before testing which delays testing and care.

Why does it matter?  Vague orders result in added phone interruptions for you and your staff.  It frustrates parents/families when mistakes or delays occur.  Time is wasted and test-prep can be incorrect as noted below.

Wrong Exam = Wrong Prep:  Exam preparation differs based on the type of exam. For example, some abdomen ultrasounds require patients to be NPO for several hours; pelvis and renal ultrasounds require patients to have a full bladder; and appendix ultrasounds require no prep. It is important to know the specific exam that is needed so we can provide the patient with accurate prep instruction and complete the exam as soon as possible.

Have Questions?  Please call Ultrasound directly @ 513-636-3177 (option 9).  We will continue to call when clarification is needed but look forward to working with you to reduce the interruptions we cause!   

A diagram of organs included in common ultrasound exams can be found here