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October 2011 Moms
jiffy-pop
member
I don't get docs refusing u/s's
jiffy-pop
member
I mean, if we are willing to pay for an u/s or our insurance covers it, why are they so stingy with them? I'm lucky since I have a doc that will pretty much do one if I ask I think. But I just don't understand the docs that refuse to do an u/s when a patient wants one. What's it gonna hurt? Why do they treat u/s's as a priviledge instead of a right? I just don't get it.
Married 5/31/08 * TTC#1 9/09 - 2/11
after anovulatory diagnosis and TTC for 1 1/2yrs with several medicated cycles and one chemical pregnancy, we have our first bundle of joy!
IT'S A GIRL!
#2 EDD 2/5/13 dx with anti-BIG E antibody, seeing a MFM
I don't take one single minute for granted.
after anovulatory diagnosis and TTC for 1 1/2yrs with several medicated cycles and one chemical pregnancy, we have our first bundle of joy!
IT'S A GIRL!
#2 EDD 2/5/13 dx with anti-BIG E antibody, seeing a MFM
I don't take one single minute for granted.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: I don't get docs refusing u/s's
Cause it many cases, they are unecessary. Honestly, I can't believe how many US some of you are getting.
Would you want your doctor to give you a vaccine that you didn't need, just cause you wanted it?
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
I had a very early u/s (6w5d) after a few weeks of spotting and it absolutely helped to bring down my anxiety level. I have a friend in a similar situation and they will not do any u/s unless they still can't find a h/b on the doppler at 12weeks. To me, that is crazy. Her insurance will cover it if it's deemed medically necessary and frankly, I think after spotting and not being able to find the h/b on the doppler at 10w, an u/s might be a good thing.
I would never go in requesting one willy nilly, but when information is knowable, it seems silly to me to withhold it from a woman just because. Just my two cents.
It comes down to healthcare economics. I would consider ultrasounds-on-demand unecessary procedures. There is no action to be taken from an ultrasound, for the most part, and it's feel-good medicine. But you're using a machine, taking up time... it's spinning a doctor or tech's wheels.
This comes from someone who still hasn't had one.
THIS! I live in Ontario, and maybe because our government pays for our medical care we don't get as many u/s or appointments. But I definitely have heard of issues with too many - I am a case study of that. My mom had more u/s then usual with me because she had a miscarriage prior to me - from that, my multiple Drs growing up thought this had something to do with my numerous ear issues (tubes in 7 times and subsequent surgeries)
Just 10 years ago (when my sister had her first) one ultrasound was pretty standard. I'm happy that in all, I will have had 3 (dating, NT and anatomy). That being said, I don't feel the need to constantly see my baby for reassurance.
Burned by the Bear
i don't see how this comparison relates at all.
OP, my Dr. does 4 and this is standard for her, there are only more if it is nec. i just think every Dr is different.
A lot of people on here have a history of loss or, in my case, have highly irregular (and long cycles). I had to have 2 dating u/s because they sent me too early for the first one. I opted to get NT screening done. So I'll have having 4. Big whoop.
And ditto not getting the comparison being made.
They are two medical procedures. I don't see what's complicated about how they relate...?
I could have said instead "additional pap smear than deemed medically necessary" or "mammogram at the age of 13 for no valid reason". Just cause you want it and your insurance pays for it doesn't mean you need it.
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
I totally agree. I will actually end up with at least 5 total. We had one each at 7.5 and 8.5 weeks for dating purposes, will have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks, and also two more at 28 and 34 weeks to check for proper growth because of a low platelet issue.
Make a pregnancy ticker
How many losses have you had prior to this pregnancy? It's so easy to talk until you expel dead fetal tissue into the toilet. My RE did 3 ultrasounds, 2 weeks apart. Once he was satisfied with my progress, he transferred me to my midwife, where my only other u/s will be at 20 weeks. Some of us have had losses or IF issues and are seeing an RE. They do things much more differently than OBs and I am very thankful to have him after my mc in December.
In your case, I would say that's a valid reason for getting multiple ultrasounds. I didn't mean it as a sweeping statement for every single woman who's pregnant.
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
Oh FFS that's not what I meant.
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. However, I think your point is talking about exceptions rather than the rules. *MOST* pregnant women don't need ultrasounds every 2 weeks.
injecting an unnecessary vaccine into your system is very different from getting an u/s of your baby. seriously.
and i don't understand why it bothers you so much what other people and other Dr's choose to do for their patients. everyone is different.
The cost of health care in this country is out of control. One of the reasons the cost is out of control is because people are recieving unnecessary medical care. Yes, insurance may pay for it but each time you have your insurance pay for something it is another thing that insurance companies can use to justify the overall cost of insurance policies going up.
I know that pregnancy is scary but I mean look at it this way... If you get an ultrasound today that in no way guarentees you that the baby will be okay the next day, or even five minutes afterwards.
EXACTLY. Thank you for saying this better than I could.
I don't think the "too many u/s's can hurt the baby" is really true. I had to go through an RE to get pregnant. They do weekly u/s's (usually about 5) until they are ready to release you which can be anywhere between 8-12wks. They didn't seem too worried about having too many u/s's. Until I see some actual proof, I'm not buying that theory.
I agree that it takes up a little more time and requires the time of an u/s tech. And I get that I've been spoiled by weekly u/s's with my RE. But I think u/s's should become routine in the future to monitor the baby at every single appointment. If they can catch something early on an u/s that could possibly be wrong with the baby, why not?
after anovulatory diagnosis and TTC for 1 1/2yrs with several medicated cycles and one chemical pregnancy, we have our first bundle of joy!
IT'S A GIRL!
#2 EDD 2/5/13 dx with anti-BIG E antibody, seeing a MFM
I don't take one single minute for granted.
Of course it's different. I didn't mean it as an exact comparison.
Don't worry, I'm not losing any sleep over this issue. A post on the issue came up, so I responded.
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
Because what will happen will happen. If the pregnancy is not viable, it's not viable. Sure, you can get an immediate procedure done, but your body will likely take care of it on your own. There is no action to make the baby right, if there is something wrong. It's just making the mom feel better. That is bad business, and healthcare is a business.
Edit to add: This whole debate reminds me of the debate on TTGP of whether or not you should see an RE before a year of trying. Sure, in my mind, if you have a special condition that merits it, go ahead. But if you're otherwise healthy and fine, then you need to let nature do its thing before getting the medical profession involved. What do they say - impatience is not a fertility issue? I would argue the same thing for pregnancy. Impatience and needing reassurance is not a pregnancy related medical issue.
Study about the effects of u/s's
https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20060807/ultrasound-affects-fetal-brain-in-mice
Yes, yes we are not mice but they are the first line of testing for most every medical procedure or drug. It does say the effects on humans are unknown but I think everyone should be fully educated on all sides of the issue.
Infertility patients often have lots of ultrasounds. I had 4 u/s by the time I was 8 weeks. You are completely correct that nothing can be done if an embryo isn't viable, but D&Cs can facilitate testing for possible causes of infertility or other underlying issues that cause losses. When you're facing infertility, every single possible clue to help a doctor with your treatment is desireable.
IVF # 1 ~ Antagonist ~ ER 1/27/11~ ET 1/30/11 ~ + HPT 7dp3dt
DD born med-free on 10/24/11
I had more than a handful with DS b/c of GD. I've had 2 so far and hope to only have two more (NT and anatomy scan). It is time consuming and expensive!
One u/s bill was $473. WTH! for 15 minutes of time.
You can always go to a u/s place and pay out of pocket to have one done!
We're not talking about IF or high risk moms. We're talking about the average lady.
A u/s is a privilege, not a right. and as people have mentioned, it's the dr's time, the tech's time, money from the insurance company... it's not just an issue of whether you will pay for it out of pocket. If the Dr recommends an u/s for some reason, that's fine, but I don't think it should become common practice to get them at every appointment or even every other appointment unless there is cause for close monitoring... the resources that it takes in terms of labor and insurance cost are definitely a negative.
I am by no means saying that the OP suggested this because I don't think she has, but some times people have an attitude of "well I want this so the doctor should give me it." The dr has gone to medical school and has training. This isn't shopping at the mall where you can go buy whatever you want. (again, OP did NOT suggest this nor did I see anyone else say this.... just sayin')
Agreed. I have had a couple different ultrasounds - one due to twins, two due to spotting, and three due to my past m/c and they want to make sure this one progresses well. I was told I would have an ultrasound every four weeks to make sure twin a and b are measuring about the same. I defiantly think that people having a history of loss will have more and it will help them to have more. No one can understand that until you have experienced one... try to imagine.. but seriously you cant. I dont agree that you should demand one every time but they really do help decrease anxiety.
Unnecessary medical procedures are not a right.
My doctor uses a handheld u/s at every appointment. It is like it has taken the place of his doppler. I love it and he gets excited to see what the baby is doing as well. I don't know if he does this with just some patients and not others? I'm not sure. It takes probably less time for him to use it vs the time it takes to find the heartbeat with the doppler.
This unnecessary BS is part of why health care is so f-ing expensive. U/S is not for entertainment and it isn't necessary that it be done on a weekly or monthly basis.
Would I like to know if this baby still has a beating heart? HELL YES! Waiting until almost 12 weeks scares me, gives me anxiety and makes me downright witchy....but I'll wait. My dr. knows best. I trust her, otherwise I wouldn't be going to her! If I decide I don't like her, I'll switch.
I've had a last 11w miscarriage...so that's probably why waiting makes me a little crazy!
My OB does an U/S at every appointment for every patient at every visit. They have machines in all of the exam rooms. Honestly my appointments don't take very long, maybe 15 - 20 minutes max.
And I am thankful for those U/S. With my second pregnancy, we found out that the baby had a fatal malformation at 14 weeks. Finding out about that at 14 weeks was bad enough, I can't imagine going into an anatomy scan at 20 weeks and then getting that news. Also, when we are talking bad U/S, in some cases time is of the essence...better to know sooner rather than later. So I do see a purpose for multiple U/S.
Not everyone who sees an RE has infertility issues, just sayin'. I got pg on my first try and used an RE. There are other reasons to use one, same-sex couples being a huge one. I'm healthy, got pg on the first try ( resulted in m/c) then again on the next try, so clearly no fertility issues here. I couldn't have done it without my RE.
Just curious, why were you with an RE?
My practice does the same thing. The scans take no time at all-- less than 2 minutes. The OB performs it himself. It's not coded the same as the higher level scans performed by techs are. My docs believe that keeping my anxiety levels as low as possible is a worthy goal. They understand my loss history and are sympathetic and accommodating. My regular gyn also has the machines in her office and uses them routinely during gynecological exams (if she thinks there may be a cyst or fibroid or something).
I will have multiple scans at the higher-level sonography lab in my office, as well. Ordinary patients only get 3 (NT scan, and the 2 anatomy scans), but because of my papp-A levels, I'll have one every 4 weeks in my third tri.
I feel very lucky to have the standard of care I do and to have it all covered by insurance.
Baby Boy Smudgie born 10/4/11
<a href="http://s837.photobucket.com/albums/zz298/triple_sevens/?action=view
Sent you a PM.