Frequently Asked
Questions

No. Vancouver Ultrasound is a private self-pay clinic and MSP coverage does not apply. Many patients choose private ultrasound for faster appointment access, flexible scheduling, comprehensive examinations, and diagnostic reports completed within 24 hours.

Many patients choose private ultrasound for faster access to care, timely diagnostic answers, and a more streamlined experience. Same-day and next-day appointments are available for most services, with all reports completed within 24 hours by Canadian board-certified radiologists.

Vancouver Ultrasound is a DAP-accredited clinic, with examinations performed by experienced Sonography Canada certified sonographers in accordance with established provincial accreditation standards.

Diagnostic ultrasound examinations typically start from $380, depending on the type of scan. Please contact our clinic for exact pricing, preparation instructions, and appointment availability.

Some extended health benefit plans, health spending accounts, or private insurance policies may reimburse part or all of the cost of private ultrasound services. Coverage varies by provider and individual plan. We recommend checking directly with your insurer before your appointment. A detailed receipt can be provided for reimbursement submission.

We accept debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, cash, and e-transfer.

Diagnostic ultrasound evaluates a specific symptom, concern, or referral indication. Screening ultrasound is performed proactively to assess for abnormalities before symptoms are present. Your healthcare provider can help determine which examination is appropriate for you.

We perform both diagnostic and screening breast ultrasound examinations.

Diagnostic breast ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate:

• Breast lumps or palpable areas
• Breast pain or focal symptoms
• Changes in the breast or nipple
• Follow-up of mammogram or prior imaging findings

Screening breast ultrasound may be appropriate for:

• Dense breast tissue
• More comprehensive breast tissue assessment
• Multiple or less localized areas of concern

Depending on the indication for your examination, ultrasound may include evaluation of both breasts and the axillary (underarm lymph node) regions.

Yes. Breast ultrasound can provide additional evaluation in patients with dense breast tissue, where mammography may be less sensitive. Ultrasound can help visualize abnormalities that may not be clearly seen on a mammogram.

In many cases, yes. Mammography and ultrasound provide complementary information and are often used together for comprehensive breast evaluation. Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate imaging based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors.

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation and is widely used in medical imaging, including pregnancy and diagnostic examinations.

The ideal timing depends on the type of pregnancy ultrasound:

• Dating and viability: early pregnancy (under 14 weeks)
• NT ultrasound: 11 to 13 weeks + 6 days
• Anatomy ultrasound: approximately 18 to 22 weeks
• Growth ultrasound: typically third trimester

Our clinic can help guide you on appropriate timing.

Nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound is a first trimester screening examination performed between 11 and 13 weeks + 6 days to assess early fetal development and markers associated with chromosomal conditions.

We have been performing nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasounds in Vancouver for over a decade. Our sonographers and radiologists are certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), and our clinic is an approved site for the BC Prenatal Genetic Screening Program.

Yes. We perform vascular ultrasound examinations to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious condition that may cause leg swelling, calf pain, redness, or sudden changes in one leg.

Because DVT ultrasound examinations require coordination with a specialized vascular sonographer, appointment availability may vary. Please contact our clinic directly and our team will assist with the earliest available scheduling.

No. Hello Baby sessions are elective keepsake and bonding experiences only. They are non-diagnostic examinations and no radiologist report is provided. Please see here for more information on keepsake experiences.

No referral is required for Hello Baby sessions.

For optimal facial images and detail, Hello Baby 3D/4D sessions are generally best scheduled between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Yes. Gender reveal is available upon request during your session, depending on fetal position and gestational age.

Clear 3D images depend on fetal position and cooperation during the session. Our sonographer may suggest movement, hydration, or a light snack to encourage repositioning, but image quality cannot be guaranteed.

Preparation varies depending on the examination. Some ultrasounds require fasting or a full bladder, while others require no preparation. Detailed instructions will be provided when booking your appointment.

Comfortable two-piece clothing is recommended for most ultrasound examinations.

Appointment times vary by examination type, but most ultrasounds take approximately 20 to 45 minutes. Comprehensive screening examinations may take longer.