Private ultrasound scanning at a glance
- Procedure time: 30 – 45 minutes depending on number of body parts being scanned
- Price: 1 part – £190
- Price: 2 part – £220
- Price: 3 part – £250
- Payment options: Self-pay or via health insurance
What is a private ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. The scan involves a transducer (or probe) which is pressed onto the skin and moved around. This is to acquire the images of the inside of your body.
An ultrasound scan is a procedure that creates a real-time image of the inside of the body. During the scan, a transducer (or probe) is used to create high frequency sound waves and turn their ‘echoes’ into a moving image of the part of the body being scanned. There are different kinds of ultrasound scans depending on which part of the body is affected.
At Practice Plus Group, we offer:
- external ultrasound scan where the probe is moved over the skin
- internal ultrasound scan where the probe is inserted into the body.
Types of ultrasound scans
At Practice Plus Group, we routinely perform private ultrasound scans on the following areas of the body:
- abdomen
- pelvis
- trans-vaginal (internal)
- testes
- musculoskeletal scans e.g. shoulders, elbows, hand / wrist, hip, knee and foot/ankle
We do not currently provide ultrasound scanning for:
- thyroid
- the veins
- arterial assessments
- breast
- antenatal imaging.
What to expect from a private ultrasound scan
The scan will be performed by a sonographer. Sonographers are radiographers with specific qualifications in performing, examining, and reporting ultrasound scans.
During the procedure, you’ll be taken into the ultrasound room where you will be asked to confirm your identity. You will then be asked to lie down on a couch for the examination. The room may be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly. A gel will be applied to your skin over the area that is to be scanned. The gel may be cold, but it allows the probe to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clearer pictures. The sonographer will slowly move the sensor over your skin while viewing the images on the screen. Recordings of selected images will be made and referred to when writing the report.
Once the scan is complete, you will be provided with tissue to clean off the gel. You’ll then get dressed and be free to leave.
Depending on the area (or areas) being examined, the ultrasound scan may take up to 20 minutes for one body part and 30 minutes for two.
After your scan, the sonographer will compile a report containing the results. These will be emailed to you within 2-3 working days. A copy will also be sent to your GP.
Preparing for an ultrasound scan
If you are having an ultrasound scan of your pelvis, kidneys or bladder, you may be required to drink lots of water prior to the examination. This is so you have a full bladder which makes the ultrasound images clearer.
Examinations of the gallbladder or pancreas may require fasting. This is typically around six hours before the procedure, but you’ll be advised of this at the time of booking and via confirmation letter.
Please note that you should inform the radiology department in advance if you have had a similar ultrasound scan recently.
Risk and benefits of an ultrasound scan
There are no known risks associated with ultrasound scanning. It is considered to be a very safe procedure.
Ultrasound scanning offers the following benefits:
- clear pictures in real-time
- detection of soft tissues
- no radiation risk.
How do I get referred for a private Ultrasound scan?
Getting referred is quick and easy at Practice Plus Group and you can benefit from shorter waiting times, with referral to scan within one week*.
There are two ways you can access a private Ultrasound scan with us:
- Self-referral – you can self-refer in one of three ways:
- Email us at private.diagnostics@practiceplusgroup.com
- Fill in the ‘enquire now’ form on this page
- Call us on 0330 173 1313
A member of our team will ask you some questions about the reason for the scan, your general health and GP details etc, and then we will book your scan. Using the self-referral method means no referral is needed from your GP or other healthcare professional.
- Referral from a healthcare professional:
- If you are already receiving treatment, you can ask your GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor to fill in our Ultrasound request referral form and email it to us at private.diagnostics@practiceplusgroup.com
- Once we have received your referral form we’ll be in touch with you directly, to book your scan.
If you would like more information before booking, you can also chat to us directly to get more information by calling us on 0330 173 1313 or by filling in the enquiry form on this page, and one of our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Can I access treatment through private medical insurance?
You can access private diagnostic services through health insurance if you have cover with the following providers:
- Aviva
- AXA
- Bupa
- Healix
- Vitality
- WPA
How will I get my results?
After your scan the sonographer will compile a report containing the results. If you self-referred for your scan, these will be emailed to you within 2-3 working days and copy sent to your GP for information only. If you were referred by a healthcare professional e.g. your GP, physiotherapist etc then the report will be sent directly to them. You can then book an appointment with the appropriate person to discuss your results.
If you would like a copy of your image(s), these will be sent to you using a secure image portal called the Image Exchange Portal (IEP) within 14 days of your scan. Should you also require a copy of the formal sonographer report, this should be obtained from the healthcare professional who referred you, or your GP if you self-referred. However, this can also be provided via the secure portal, upon request.
Contact our dedicated private patient contact centre today on 0330 173 1313.
* Waiting times based on referral to scan from August 2024 data.