Frequently Asked Questions

3D 4D Baby UltrasoundMedical & Prescription ImagingVitalScans

VitalScans

WHAT is VitalScans SCREENING?
They are a grouping of brief ultrasound exams taking about 25 minutes that are designed to look for serious health problems that have no signs or symptoms.

They include;

• Stroke or Carotid Artery Screen; 
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA Screen;
• And Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD Screen
  

The exams are similar to complete diagnostic ultrasound tests, using the same highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment, but use abbreviated protocols and have a narrow focus. The idea is to establish whether or not disease is present.  If it is, it can be treated by your physician.

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WHO Should Have a CardioVascular Screening?
If you are, or if you have, any of the following, you are at risk for Stroke, Aneurysm, or Arterial Disease:

• Over 40 Years of Age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High Cholesterol
• Previous Stroke
• Family History of Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Family History of AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)
• Smoking History
• High Blood Pressure
• Family History of PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

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HOW do I Get the Results?
You will verbally be given a preliminary report by the Vascular Sonographer upon completion of your screening. The screening will then be reviewed and interpreted by a board certified Radiologist. A signed final report will be mailed to you within 3 weeks of your exam(s).

We encourage you to share and discuss this report with your physician.

WHAT Types of Screenings are Available?

• Stroke Risk (Measuring Carotid Artery Blockage)
  The carotid arteries are the main blood supply lines to the brain. The buildup of a fatty substance called plaque can partially or completely block these arteries. This blockage, if severe, can significantly increase the risk of stroke.  One Stroke occurs EVERY 45 seconds and is the number 1 cause of disability.
• Aneurysm Risk or AAA (Measuring the Abdominal Aorta)
  The aorta is the largest artery in the body, supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abnormal enlargement caused by weakening of the arterial wall is called an aneurysm. A large aneurysm in this artery can rupture, a condition that is fatal 85% of the time. AAA is the 13 leading cause of death.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD (Measuring Blood Flow in the Limbs)
  Arterial blockage from plaque can also develop in the legs, resulting in reduced blood flow. This can limit the ability to walk and, if severe enough, could result in ulcers, gangrene, or amputation. PAD is also a likely indicator for having coronary artery disease (CAD), blockage in the heart arteries. You are 5-6 times more likely to suffer heart attack or stroke if you have PAD.

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HOW are Screening Exams Performed?

• CAROTID ARTERY SCREENING AND ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (AAA) SCREENING
  For these tests, you will lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will apply a small amount of ultrasound gel to your abdomen and/or neck. An ultrasound transducer is moved painlessly over the area to acquire images and assess blood flow.
  
  For the abdominal screening (AAA), we ask that you fast for six hours prior to your test and eat a light meal the night before. You may take your medications on your regular schedule with water. For the carotid artery exam there is no preparation needed-just wear a loose, open-collar shirt or blouse.
• PERIPHERAL ARTERY SCREENING
  For this test, you will remove your shoes and socks/stockings and lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will use blood pressure cuffs and a special Doppler ultrasound transducer to measure the pressures in each arm and in the arteries of both ankles. A mathematic calculation of these pressures, called an Ankle Brachial Index, will suggest the presence or absence of significant arterial blockage.

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HOW MUCH do Screening Exams Cost?

• Any one exam is $45.00
• Any Two exams are $90.00
• And all Three exams are $119.00 a savings of 15%

What Forms of payment or Does Medicare or insurance cover professional health screenings?
Medicare and Insurances do not currently cover most screenings. Medicare currently covers a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening at their “Welcome to Medicare” physical, for men only, at age 65, if they have a history of smoking. Please check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for this test
We accept All Credit Cards, Personal Checks and Cash for these tests.

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How often should I have these general health screenings?
This is a personal decision based on your risk factors and previous screening results. Many of our customers incorporate yearly screenings into their preventive healthcare regimen to complement their regular physicals.

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Can I have the health screenings if I have a pacemaker?
Yes. A pacemaker will not interfere with the screenings.

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Why should I have these screenings done if I have no symptoms?
Many people are at risk for diseases such as stroke and heart disease but experience no symptoms. Early detection and control can prevent major consequences down the road.

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What happens when a problem is identified?
If your results are not normal, you will receive a detailed report of the findings along with instructions to see your physician for further evaluation. If anything critical is noticed during an exam WE will notify your doctor immediately and follow their instructions.

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How do I prepare for the screenings?
When you go to have a VitalScans screening, remember:

• Wear a shirt that is open at the collar and short-sleeved.
• Do not wear a turtleneck.
• Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit consisting of loose clothing.
• Fast for 4 hours prior to your screening.
• Make sure the meal you eat 4 hours prior to your screening is a light one (less than 1/2 of what you normally eat of non-gassy food).
• If you are thirsty during your fasting period, you may have 1/2 cup of coffee or tea and a moderate amount of water.
• If you take medication, take it as prescribed.
• If you are diabetic and are not comfortable fasting for 4 hours, please limit yourself to a "diabetic meal" (piece of toast, 1 cup of any kind of juice and 1/2 cup of coffee or tea). If you are in doubt, please follow your diabetic care plan.
• Do not wear pantyhose.

Medical & Prescription Imaging

What is a Level One Diagnostic ultrasound?
We perform our dating ultrasounds after 14 weeks gestation, and our level one complete ultrasounds after 18 weeks gestation. Our trained and certified ultrasound technologists take a close look at the baby and record the following: confirmation of heart-rate, position of the baby, placental location and grade, gender determination if desired, biparietal diameter and head circumference, femur length, abdominal circumference, and anatomic features. The findings of these ultrasounds are read by our Supervising Physicians, and a report is sent to your provider’s office. We are a provider for many insurance plans.
Please call our office to determine if your plan is available through us.

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What is an elective limited diagnostic ultrasound?
This scan includes basic information about your baby including: confirmation of heart-rate, position of the baby, placental location, and gender determination if desired. If you are carrying multiple babies – the above information is determined for each. Our trained and certified technologists compile the above information and send a report directly to your provider’s office.

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What is included in the cost of my appointment?
Your appointment cost covers the medical information obtained by our trained and certified ultrasound technologists, the time involved in obtaining this information, and for the report sent to your provider. Complimentary video and images are provided during your session, but please remember these are not included in the cost of your appointment.

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What if I don't have insurance?
Premiere is capable of accepting most insurances including Blue Cross and Medicare.  However, If you do not have insurance, Premiere offers the lowest rates for medical ultrasounds in chicagoland!  We want you to get what you need.  All major Credit Cards are accepted as well as checks and cash.

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What is a Medical & Prescription Ultrasound?
These are Ultrasound Exams that are referred by your doctor for specific medical conditions, such as; Gall Bladder, Kidney, Pregnancy, etc.  Your doctor will typically order or write a prescription for these ultrasounds and Insurance will usually cover these exams.

3D/4D Baby Ultrasound

How far along should I be before I have a 3D/4D elective ultrasound?
We recommend having your 3D/4D ultrasound performed after the 25th week of your pregnancy, and anytime after the 28th week for our fuller figured mommies.

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When should I book my 3D/4D appointment?
You may book your appointment in advance, or call to see what is available in the near future. Our appointments do tend to book up quickly – especially on Saturdays, so booking in advance in recommended. We save this appointment time especially for you to enjoy your baby with family and friends. Because of this, we ask that you kindly give us 24-hour notice of cancellation or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation/no-show fee. We want to make sure that if you are unable to attend your visit with us, that we are able to give another mommy a chance to take your place. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this policy.

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What are the requirements for receiving an elective ultrasound?
We offer elective ultrasounds to expectant mothers who are currently under prenatal care and have undergone their second trimester diagnostic ultrasound with their provider. This is the anatomical survey ultrasound most commonly performed around 20 weeks. Written confirmation of this is required - please call our office for details. This elective ultrasound does NOT take the place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound, or any other type of care your healthcare provider requires. Our elective services are simply a wonderful adjunct to the care you are currently receiving.

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I’ve heard of those “Keepsake Facilities”.  What makes your services different?
Before we opened, we too had heard the controversy over so-called keepsake ultrasound facilities. We did our research on what other companies had done in the past to cause these concerns, and to find out what we could do to set ourselves apart. We have policies and protocols in place to ensure that we go above and beyond what is expected of us. We are a Medical Imaging facility, like an MRI center for example, but instead - we specialize in prenatal ultrasounds. If you look, most other 3D facilities only offer elective services, and do not offer diagnostics. We would fall in the same category as an OB office or hospital providing elective 3D ultrasounds as well as diagnostic services. All our elective scans are limited to 10-25 minutes which is within the time frame that has been proven safe over the last 35+ years. A requirement of employment with us is that all of our ultrasound technologists not only have extensive OB experience, but we also require that they be ARDMS certified. This means they not only have years of experience, but that they had to go through extensive testing to get their certification. We conduct a limited diagnostic scan with each and every mommy to ensure that this is not solely for entertainment only! We also only see mommies who have already undergone their complete diagnostic ultrasound as this ensures that no one will use this ultrasound in place of their diagnostic with their provider. And - 3D/4D ultrasound is the EXACT same intensity as a 2D ultrasound. Nothing changes when we switch to 3D or 4D. We have gone above and beyond so that the families that come to us can rest assured that they will receive the best care that an ultrasound facility can give. Only the best for you!

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Who performs the ultrasounds?
Our staff is highly trained and certified by the ARDMS. Our ultrasound technologists have years of experience in High Risk OB scanning, and extensive 3D experience as well. Our technologists perform a limited diagnostic scan with each session, and a report is sent to your provider stating the location of the placenta, fetal lie, heart-rate, and number of gestations. We expect the best, and so should you. Let our trained and certified staff allow you to experience the miracle of life as it has never been before!

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How safe is 3D/4D ultrasound?
Ultrasound has been a routine practice in prenatal care throughout the U.S. It has been studied for over 35 years, and has been shown to cause no harm to either the mother or the baby. Your 3D/4D ultrasound session utilizes the same type of ultrasound as a regular 2D scan performed in the doctor's office. The power or intensity DOES NOT change when moving from 2D to 3D/4D. It is actually a new computer software in our systems, NOT a different type of ultrasound, that creates these remarkable images.

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Will my 3D images always turn out the way I expect?
Usually, but sometimes if the baby is persistently looking away from us, or if hands and feet are in the way it may be difficult to see the baby's face. Also - if placenta is in the way, or for our fuller figured mommies, the images will tend to be a bit fuzzier. Unfortunately - Baby Rules! However, we do our very best to get the best images we can! Each baby will scan differently, and we can make no promises that the images will always meet your expectations. We do promise, however to do everything we can to get the very best images possible. Issues that can make the images less than perfect are: the amount of fluid around the area of interest, fuller-figured mothers-to-be, age of the fetus, and fetal position.

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How many guests may I bring?
We believe this should be a family experience! We can comfortably seat 5 people in our exam room. However, if you have more people that you would like to share this experience with, just let us know in advance and we would be happy to gather more seating for your guests.

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Do you offer Gender Determination?
Yes, we do. Again - Baby Rules - we can't make guarantees that your little one will cooperate with us, but we can guarantee we will make every effort to determine the gender of your child. Because we have a bit more time than the doctor's office does, we are able to spend more time determining the gender of your baby.

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What if I DON'T want to know the gender of my child?
NO PROBLEM!! Many parents think that because this technology creates such clear images, that there is no way to hide the sex. NOT TRUE! We have had many families request that we not determine gender. When this is the wish of our guests, we accommodate with no questions asked. We simply stay away from that area of your child, and focus on other areas, such as face, hands, arms, etc. Just let us know your wishes and we would be happy to hide the gender for you!

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Can I use my insurance for this ultrasound?
We are a provider for many insurance companies. Call us to see if we are listed with your insurance for your complete diagnostic ultrasound.

As for the elective ultrasounds - because it is elective, and not something that is required for your care, insurance does not cover this ultrasound session. Therefore, this will be an out of pocket expense. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards.

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Aren’t these 3D/4D ultrasounds expensive?
You will be surprised at our low rates! Please call us today.

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