PREGNANCY FAQs
What is our cancellation policy?
We request payment upfront through our online booking system. Paying upfront also shows us that you are committed to attending your appointment so we can offer other available slots to patients on our waiting lists – thank you for your consideration and co-operation.
Cancellation / no show / late policy:
If you cancel 24 hours before your appointment we will reimburse your payment in full within 5-10 days. Please send us an email to info@theultrasoundsuite.ie to let us know you have cancelled 24 hours beforehand and require a reimbursement.
If you cannot attend your appointment and fail to inform us at least 24 hours beforehand you will liable to pay a non-cancellation fee of €50. We will reimburse the balance within 5-10 days.
We do our best to run on time out of consideration for our patients and staff. If you are more than 10 minutes late or if you do not show up for your scan in the correct location you will be liable to pay a non-cancellation fee of €50. We will reimburse the balance within 5-10 days.
Thank you for your understanding.
How many people can I bring with me to my scan?
For medical (non-pregnant scans) we suggest coming alone. If you feel that you need a chaperone for the scan you are permitted to bring one adult with you.
For pregnancy scans, we encourage you to bring your partner along with you.
Our clinic rooms are small and intimate, so we can only accommodate 2 guests.
While we love children, we have found that our patients enjoy their scans more if they don’t bring their children along with them. Please remember that all of our scans are diagnostic and occasionally difficult news may need to be conveyed to you at the time of your scan. We therefore recommend not bringing children to your scan so that your full attention can be on the wellbeing of your baby. In addition to this, some of our scans require a transvaginal approach and it is not suitable for extra visitors/children (apart from the partner) to be present in the room during this time.
You will receive your digital videos and pictures after your scan so that you can share them with your loved ones immediately.
What is a transvaginal scan and when is it performed?
Sometimes the information gained from scanning the pelvis from the top of the abdomen is insufficient when attempting to image clearly or make a diagnosis. In the event of this circumstance, a thin ultrasound probe is covered with a sheath and is lubricated. Once inserted into the vagina, the probe is gently moved from side to side in order to examine the appropriate organs. Most women are able to tolerate this examination pretty well. If at any stage pain should be experienced, the sonographer will meet the patient’s request to discontinue the scan.
Which scans require a full bladder?
If you are under 12 weeks pregnant a full bladder can help with visualisation of your baby.
When can I find out my baby’s gender?
The gender is best determined from about 16 weeks onwards. Our specialist sonographers are highly trained in the identification of genitalia anatomy. Unfortunately 100% accuracy is something that can never be guaranteed.
Medical (non-pregnant) FAQs
Do I need a letter from my doctor to have a medical scan?
Yes, we require a referral letter from your doctor in order to carry out your scan.
Will my health insurance cover my scan?
We don’t deal directly with the different health insurance companies. We ask for payment from you at the time of the scan and issue you with a receipt to submit to your health insurance. Some health insurances will cover in full, others will give you part of the money back and others will not cover the scan at all. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their health insurance prior to the scan re the above.
Who will report my scan?
A clinical specialist sonographer will carry out your scan and a consultant radiologist will report your scan. Our sonographers are fully qualified and well experienced at performing numerous ultrasound scans. We utilise the reporting services of Medica. Their consultant radiologists report for many clinics and hospitals in Ireland.
When will I get my results?
We aim to have the report delivered to your GP within 2 business days following your scan.
What is a transvaginal scan and when is it performed?
Sometimes the information gained from scanning the pelvis from the top of the abdomen is insufficient when attempting to image clearly or make a diagnosis. In the event of this circumstance, a thin ultrasound probe is covered with a sheath and is lubricated. Once inserted into the vagina, the probe is gently moved from side to side in order to examine the appropriate organs. Most women are able to tolerate this examination pretty well. If at any stage pain should be experienced, the sonographer will meet the patient’s request to discontinue the scan.
Which scans require a full bladder?
We require you to have a full bladder if you are coming for a pelvic or renal (kidney) scan.