Ultrasound Reporting

Ultrasound is an imaging technique uses high‑frequency sound waves (above 20 kHz, typically 3–20 MHz in medicine) to generate real‑time images of the organs, tissues, blood vessels, and a foetus inside the body, used to diagnose conditions, monitor pregnancy, guide procedures, and assess blood flow without using ionizing radiation. These sound waves are transferred into the body by a handheld probe (transducer) to reflect the echoes from tissues, these echoes are converted into the images on a screen by a computer.

Ultrasound (USG) reporting refers to the service wherein radiologists and specialists remotely analyze and study the images obtained at healthcare institutions. Ultrasound is a unique, noninvasive procedure that allows radiologists to observe anatomical structures and their real-time movements.

Generally, although these healthcare institutions might have round-the-clock on-site facilities, there is a lack of specialists to analyze the results. This causes delay in treatment, which is not ideal for urgent or emergency/STAT patients. Remote ultrasound reporting allows rapid analysis ultrasound scans, which reduces turnaround times (TAT).

Difference between Ultrasound (USG) & Sonography Reporting

Ultrasound and sonography are often used interchangeably due to their similar nature. The terms differ only in usage. Sonography refers to the complete diagnostic procedure that produces diagnostic images. Ultrasound is the technology that utilizes sound waves to produce these images. In essence, ultrasound is the technology used in the procedure of sonography to produce diagnostic images.

How Do We Do Ultrasound Image Reporting Remotely?

Collection of Clinical Information

The consulting clinician carefully studies the patient’s symptoms, clinical history, and other medically relevant information.

This information is useful to put forth a diagnosis after the radiological examination.

Selecting an Imaging Modality

Based on the collected patient information, the clinician selects a suitable radiological imaging test.

This test may or may not be a subspecialty case, depending on the case requirement. (In this case, the selected imaging modality will be ultrasound—USG.).

Performing the Ultrasound

Once the imaging modality is selected, the actual testing is performed on-site by a technician.

These tests are performed according to standard protocols for the general ultrasound or have adapted protocols for subspecialty reporting.

Imaging Data Transfer

After the images are obtained through ultrasound, these must be sent to the radiologist for analysis and interpretation.

These images, along with relevant clinical data, are sent to the radiologist either by a secure email delivery system or a PACS/RIS system.

Review by Radiologist

Once the images are transferred to the radiologist, along with the patient’s data, the images are ready to be analyzed.

The radiologist checks for abnormalities in structure, foreign bodies, artifacts, etc. in the images.

Coupled with the clinical symptoms data, the radiologist then puts forth a diagnosis.

In case the image quality is not up to the standard, or the test is inadequate for a diagnosis, they may recommend a re-examination or an alternate imaging test.

Producing a Report

After reviewing the ultrasound image, a report detailing the study technology, findings, and recommendations is prepared.

In critical cases, a preliminary report is prepared, which consists of only relevant information to make a decision.

The reports are then sent to the hospital via the PACS/RIS system.

To maintain legitimacy, the reports are electronically signed by the radiologist.

Who We Serve

Listed below are the institutions that are partnered with Statim Healthcare for ultrasound (USG) reporting:

Public and private hospitals

Multispecialty clinics

Diagnostic and imaging centres

Standalone clinics

Maternity hospitals

Gynecology and obstetric clinics

Fertility and reproductive health centers

Radiology and imaging clinics

Educational and academic medical institutions

Subspecialty care centres

Industrial and factory health units

Occupational health clinics

Uses / Importance / Conditions to Diagnose

Ultrasound (USG) is an examination of choice for several complications, mainly in the abdomen and pelvic region. These include:

Abdominal & Hepatobiliary

Fatty liver changes

Liver cysts

Biliary obstruction

Liver abscesses

Gallbladder stones

Gallbladder inflammation

Ascites

Renal & Urinary Tract

Kidney stones

Hydronephrosis

Renal cysts

Urinary retention

Bladder outlet obstruction

Prostatic enlargement–related urinary issues

Obstetrics

Early pregnancy assessment

Ectopic pregnancy

Fetal growth restriction

Multiple pregnancy

Placental abnormalities

Amniotic fluid abnormalities

Gynecological

Ovarian cysts

Uterine fibroids

Endometrial thickening

Pelvic inflammatory changes

Abnormal uterine bleeding evaluation

Breast

Breast cysts

Solid breast masses

Ductal dilatation

Breast abscesses

Thyroid & Neck

Thyroid enlargement

Cervical lymphadenopathy

Thyroid nodules

Salivary gland swellings

Vascular

Deep vein thrombosis

Varicose veins

Arterial stenosis

Venous insufficiency

Abdominal aortic dilatation

Musculoskeletal & Soft Tissue

Muscle tears

Tendon injuries

Joint effusions

Soft tissue abscesses

Ganglion cysts

Testicular & Scrotal

Testicular torsion

Hydrocele

Varicocele

Epididymal swelling

Scrotal masses

Pediatric

Pyloric thickening

Intussusception

Congenital renal anomalies

Developmental hip abnormalities

Ultrasound Modalities & Studies Covered

---> Organ-Based Ultrasound Scans

Liver

The liver is an important detoxifying organ of the body. It is prone to several complications, such as change in overall size or contour, altered internal echotexture (diffuse or focal), space-occupying structures (solid or fluid-filled), biliary channel widening, vascular flow disturbances, etc. Ultrasound is an effective tool in observing liver anatomy, margin size, and parenchymal texture; differentiating between solid and cystic structures; detecting biliary dilatation; and assessing vascular flow patterns using Doppler techniques.

Kidneys

The kidneys are critical organs involved in blood filtering, and any damage to these organs can result in serious complications. These organs can undergo changes in overall size, cortical thickness, or symmetry between the two kidneys. There might be a dilated collection system, focal abnormalities in the renal parenchyma, etc. Using ultrasound imaging, radiologists can observe the difference between the cortex and medulla, detect dilatation of the pelvicalyceal system, and distinguish cystic from solid structures.

Uterus

Ultrasound is widely used to assess the uterus anatomy for diseases and pregnancies. Generally, it can undergo anatomical changes based on hormones and structural variation. Common uterus complications include irregular endometrial thickness, changes in the symmetry of the myometrium, etc. Apart from this, ultrasound is also used to monitor fetal growth, detect ectopic pregnancies, and check the placental position during pregnancies.

Types of Ultrasound (USG)

Conventional (2D) Ultrasound

This is the most widely used type of ultrasound used for diagnostic imaging. It is used to visualize real-time 2D images of organ anatomy. It is useful to estimate the shape, size, and surface anatomy. Conventional 2D ultrasound can also differentiate between solid and fluid-filled structures. This is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method to assess the internal structures.

Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound assesses the blood flow in the vessels and organs. It uses the frequency of sound waves resulting from the flow of blood cells to evaluate flow direction, velocity, and pattern. It is generally used in combination with the conventional 2D ultrasound to check the vascular flow to different organs.

3D Ultrasound

A 3-dimensional ultrasound is performed by reconstructing multiple 2D images. It allows detailed visualization from multiple planes, especially when the organ's anatomical imaging is crucial for diagnosis. Applications of 3D ultrasound consist of flow direction, velocity, and pattern imaging. It is also used to assess internal structure for pre-process planning.

Working Mechanism

Ultrasound (USG) is based on the use of sound waves to visualize internal images. It consists of a transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves, which are then directed in the body using a coupling medium. These sound waves travel through the tissues, which have their own acoustic impedance, i.e., level of resistance to these sound waves. Some of the sound waves are reflected back, which is known as “echo”. These returning signals are received by the transducers and then converted into electric signals. Finally, the ultrasound system converts these signals into images.

Responsibilities

Listed below are the responsibilities of radiologists:

Analyze and interpret the images received from the healthcare institutes.

Correlate the observed findings with the patient’s clinical history to determine the etiology.

Differentiate accurately between actual abnormalities and artifacts to prevent false positives and false negatives.

Prepare clear, structured, and accurate imaging reports to communicate the findings effectively.

Communicate the findings verbally or in the form of preliminary reports in emergency cases.

Make sure that the reports are signed electronically to maintain clarity.

Maintain proper documentation for administrative purposes.

Recommend a retest or alternative imaging test if the case requires it.

Strictly follow the image analysis protocols.

Collaborate with on-site healthcare providers to discuss the diagnostic findings.

Adhere to all the data safety standards and secure transmission of data to ensure patient information privacy.

Participate in regular audits and quality inspections for compliance purposes.

Engage in lifelong learning and make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge in the field of radiology.

Why Is It Growing?

Ultrasound (USG) reporting is a rapidly growing service due to the following reasons:

Lack of specialist and subspecialty radiologists in healthcare institutions

Growing demand of rapid, noninvasive radiological services

Advancements in ultrasound imaging technology

Demand for shorter turnaround times (TAT)

Low cost and a simple process make the overall procedure more efficient.

Higher volumes of patients reporting to healthcare institutions for ultrasound services

Evolution of teleradiology services and digital infrastructure

Availability of services even during after hours and non-working days

Preliminary vs Final Ultrasound Reports

A preliminary ultrasound report is generally prepared immediately after the imaging is performed. It is made up of concise information such as image findings, interpretation, and recommendations. The purpose of this report is to reduce the time spent on administrative tasks required to prepare the final report. It is crucial in emergency/STAT cases where the time required to make a clinical decision is extremely crucial.

A final report is prepared to encompass all the information pertaining to the ultrasound test. It consists of details about the imaging procedure, ultrasound scans, detailed findings, interpretations, recommendations, etc. This report is not just used to communicate the ultrasound findings but also as an official document stored in the patient folder for future reference and administrative purposes.

Quality Assurance & Reporting Standards by Our Radiologists

To provide excellent service to the healthcare institutions, Statim has several quality standards in place.These quality standards are listed below:

Recruitment of licensed and expert radiology professionals and subspecialists to ensure quality reporting.

Making sure the images received are of the highest quality and properly acquired.

Maintaining proper documentation for administrative purposes.

Established standard ultrasound reporting protocols. These protocols are adapted to different subspecialty types.

Have standardized and substandardized reporting formats in place to maintain consistency.

Peer review and regular audits to comply with all the standards.

Continuous monitoring of administrative processes.

Data security measures are defined to ensure patients’ privacy is maintained.

Reports are transferred in encrypted formats and are electronically signed to ensure medical legitimacy.

Round-the-clock assistance to institutions, even during non-working hours.

Benefits of Our Ultrasound Reporting Services

Listed below are some of the benefits of ultrasound reporting services at Statim Healthcare:

Round-the-clock assistance, even outside traditional working hours.

Consistent quality of reporting services.

Access to expert radiology specialists and subspecialists.

Facilities are in place for remote/rural services.

Data security measures established to ensure patient data security.

Compliance with all the organizational and regional standards

At Statim Healthcare, we provide Ultrasound reporting by Radiologist remotely, safely & accurately to the hospitals, diagnostic clinics, and other healthcare institutions in the USA (New York, California, Florida, Texas, Washington, Ohio, Oregon, Phoenix, Arizona, Denver, Colorado, Atlanta, Georgia, Honolulu, Hawaii, Indianapolis & entire USA), India (Mumbai, Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Thane & entire India), Australia [New South Wales (Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Queensland (Brisbane), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia (Perth), and Tasmania (Hobart)] & abroad..

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does the ultrasound reporting service at Statim Healthcare ensure accurate diagnosis without on-site presence?

At Statim Healthcare, there are standard reporting protocols in place to ensure accurate diagnosis. Moreover, radiologists are trained to analyze and study the given images, where their physical presence is not required.

Q. Are the ultrasound reports obtained remotely medically valid?

At Statim, all the radiology and subspecialty experts are certified and medically trained, ensuring the quality of the diagnosis. All the institutional and regional compliance standards are strictly followed, thus making sure that all the legal and administrative requirements are fulfilled.

Q. What if the findings obtained during the ultrasound are critical?

If the findings from the ultrasound report point to critical conditions, the radiologists generally communicate these findings verbally to immediately start the treatment. This protocol is also followed for patients categorized under the emergency/STAT category. The findings of such cases are reported in a preliminary report.

Q. How is patient data security ensured at Statim Healthcare?

At Statim Healthcare, there are strict data security measures in place. Patient data is transferred in encrypted format to maintain privacy. It is then sent to the hospital using a secure delivery system or the hospital RIS/PACS system.

Q. Is the ultrasound reporting service available in remote/rural settings?

The unique feature of the ultrasound reporting is the flexible availability of radiological analysis across locations. Radiologists can observe the images obtained remotely from the hospitals. Since rural/remote areas generally lack specialists and subspecialists, this service is highly valuable for such locations.