Summary of Important Concepts

Screening Ultrasound has evolved over the past number of years. In the past it has been known as the "routine" or a "Level I" ultrasound. This type of ultrasound only required physicians to examine basic fetal structures. As a result, the majority of birth defects were not detected.

Recently, however, three medical organizations, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Radiology, and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, have published identical guidelines as to what constitutes a "routine" or Screening Ultrasound. These guidelines define a new standard for performance of a second or third trimester ultrasound. This examination is called the Standard Examination.

Because these new guidelines include mandatory evaluation of specific structures of the brain, heart, extremities, and other organs, many obstetricians and radiologists do not feel adequately trained to perform this new evaluation. Therefore, they may refer patients to a specialist because of the desire to offer the best care to their patients.

The Standard Examination, while helpful, has specific limitations. Therefore, Dr. DeVore, offers a higher level of fetal evaluation that is a more comprehensive study of the fetus using additional ultrasound technologies. The Genetic Ultrasound examination describes the approach he uses so that a more detailed evaluation of the fetus can occur.

If your insurance plan (HMO, etc.) does not allow you to be referred to a specialist, you should carefully review this section to understand they type of examination you should expect, as well as the limitations of the Standard Examination.

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