They refused to do my anatomy scan!!

kmmd2008 · October 2013

I will be 18 weeks tomorrow, and I know they recommend getting the anatomy scan 18-22weeks but the scheduling department said I could schedule anywhere between Oct 15 an sometime... So I of coarse wanted it done ASAP, so I scheduled for today. I thought if it was okay with them then I should be fine to go. Wrong!

My husband takes off work to go. And after we check in and sit down, the secretary says u know u are not even 18 weeks right?!? They are gonna make u reschedule. I said yes I know in not 18 till tomorrow, but the schedule dept said it was okay. She then tells me my dates are wrong and I am only 17wks 3 days. I began to argue and the tech came out and said im sorry u are going to have to reschedule for at least 20-22 weeks.

Me bring my hormonal self basically ran out in tears because of the disappointment. My husband stayed to yell at the ladies and told them to be ashamed of them selves and was going to contact a manager. Hahaha... Well I should have known better.

lesleygosooners · October 2013

I'm am so sorry. That has to be beyond frustrating.

linsmarie31 · October 2013

I'm so sorry you went through that! I saw a NP at 13 weeks who told me that I could go 5 weeks and get the scan. The tech and MD I was going to see at 18 said it was too early. She felt bad though and did at least let us see the baby, and didn't charge us.

Maybe they'll let you come back and just take some pics of the baby for you!

liamandlettie · October 2013

My nurses told me to make sure they don't schedule it even ONE day before 20 weeks because if I show up they will make me reschedule. I triple checked everyone. I have mine on exactly 20 weeks! That would suck to reschedule!

katykatykaty · October 2013

I guess only perinatologist/MFMs like to do them at 18 weeks? I'm sorry they wouldn't let you do yours then. So frustrating!

PrincessPeach13 · October 2013

That stinks

With DS they said any time between 18-20 weeks but they scheduled me for 17w4d and it was no problem. I guess it just depends on their policy. I have no clue why they would schedule you so early if they weren't going to do it though.

lillybelle30 · October 2013

It always puzzles me to see such disparity in these things. I had mine done at 16w5d. The tech warned me that I might have to do a follow up, but in the end, they said they saw everything they needed.

jdoyle7215 · October 2013

I have one today. Im 2 days short of 18 weeks. Sorry that happened to you, I would feel the same way!

rachbaby1 · October 2013

I could not get an appointment until after 20 weeks, but that was made very clear and they scheduled me correctly. Sounds like whoever scheduled you made a mistake, sorry you got your hopes up. Do you now have to go back to the same office where your husband yelled at the nurses who were following the rules as opposed to the scheduler who made the mistake?

Mrs.N.H. · October 2013

My MFM says after 19 weeks and before 23 preferably around week 20. The reason being some of things they look at need to be developed enough for them to actually see them. I know you know this but the anatomy scan is much more than a sex determination ultrasound. And we know life experience does not equal science, but I know more than one person that went early and had to wait a week or two to go back for another ultrasound with the stress of the "what ifs" because they couldn't see the brain or heart and something "didn't look quite right" just because they couldn't get a good clear picture. Plus they got charged for both visits.

mhilpisch10 · October 2013

Seems like such a strict policy! I can't believe they couldn't just say "oh well it's only one day, we can make that work"

CruiseGirl28 · October 2013

I have mine scheduled for Thursday (19 weeks 2 days). DH's boss is on vaca the following week, so DH wouldn't be able to come. I asked my doctor, and he said that it was fine before I scheduled it. I hope there isn't an issue.

rachbaby1 · October 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

I could not get an appointment until after 20 weeks, but that was made very clear and they scheduled me correctly. Sounds like whoever scheduled you made a mistake, sorry you got your hopes up. Do you now have to go back to the same office where your husband yelled at the nurses who were following the rules as opposed to the scheduler who made the mistake?
Yeah, I think that last part (the yelling) was inappropriate. It's not their fault scheduling fucked up. My h can be a hot head and even he wouldn't have yelled at an innocent person like that. Also, I don't think I ever would have cut it that close anyway knowing there are standards and requirements that could prevent the u/s. I under stand being eager and all, but early =/= best medical decision. If you want a u/s before that go get a elective. It sucks but giving a "haha" to yelling at someone who did nothing wrong rubs me the wrong way.

We have a really bad assistant (who is on her last days, thank god!), and people get screamed at because of her mistakes all the time. At least here, it is attorneys getting yelled at - but I feel bad for medical assistants who probably have zero control over the bad scheduler.

novelblessings · October 2013

Sorry, that kind of sucks. I know the anticipation of wanting to get in like "right now" but if you have to wait, then oh well. I was told I couldn't schedule mine until I was between 20-21 weeks. I will be 20 wks, 3d when I go in.

liamandlettie · October 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

mhilpisch10 said:
Seems like such a strict policy! I can't believe they couldn't just say "oh well it's only one day, we can make that work"
But in her chart its not one day, it's like 4-5 days (depending on how you want to count it) that is a big deal with developing babies!!

I was told that our hospital/doctors were having to reschedule so many because they couldn't get all the info as it could be too early that they made the policy that it has to be after 20 weeks. The machines are expensive, insurance for repeats were a nightmare and parents were worried when the tech couldn't get clear answers.

Edit: FFS why can I never quote right. I meant to quote a quote.

AriaAmante143 · October 2013

I kind of feel bad for the nurses that your husband screamed at. It wasn't their fault, they're just going by protocol.

Honestly, it sucks that you have to wait, but in the end you will be so happy you waited. I had an ultrasound at 16 weeks and then again at 20 (I have to get one every 4 weeks per my OB) and the amount she had grown and changed was incredible. It was so much easier to see all of her fingers, toes, the chambers of the heart. Everything looks different.

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe · October 2013

I agree with everyone about yelling at the nurses for doing their job. I understand that you guys were probably super disappointed (and I don't blame you) but it wasn't really something they could control. At least now you know for future reference that you may as well wait just to be safe. My doctor doesn't give me an option. It's mandatory that it's at 21 weeks. Which is also why I had an elective at 17 weeks because I couldn't wait. :P

Kate428 · October 2013

Mine was last week at 19 weeks and 2 days and although everything looks good I have to go back since they couldn't see a few things. I had another ultra sound yesterday at my regular doctor (I have one every-time I go just to check for both heartbeats) and it's amazing how different they already look with just one week difference!

lizardknitter · October 2013

Had mine at 16w6d without a hitch. I was at the MFM office who probably has a better u/s machine. They should eat least tried to see before dismissing you like that.

snsnyder1 · October 2013

I had mine yesterday at 19 weeks 2 days and they got everything they needed. My husband probably would have had a few choice words also. Since they called me the day before to confirm my appointment and give me my instructions. I would have expected them to catch the problem before I was actually there for the appointment.

TradeMama · October 2013

Last time I did mine just shy of 18 weeks and they couldn't see everything they needed to see, so I had to do it again.

lindsey1031 · October 2013

My doc's office policy is between 18 - 20 weeks. I'm scheduled next week to go at 18 wks and some days. They said that would be fine. Maybe it also has something to do with the quality of the machines?

aesmom · October 2013

I'm sorry you are disappointed, but as others have pointed out, it is probably for the best. The closer the baby is to 1lb the better measurements they can get. Another two weeks isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. You can usually get an elective ultrasound early if you pay extra. Maybe that is something you can look into.

MattandCerra · October 2013

That's so sad! We did ours at 19 weeks. It was the LONGEST wait ever! But, you have to make sure they can have you when baby is big enough to get all they need to make sure they are okay

Hang in there! Don't add stress where it doesn't need to be

MeggsM · October 2013

This happened to me too. When I scheduled my first appointment I actually said " I'll be just at 19 weeks" and they said no problem. Mid way through the tech said she couldn't get it all and we had to come back in a week and a half. Went back in on Friday and it was fine- they saw everything they needed. They even gave us the video and images for free because the supervisor said it was their fault they scheduled my initial appointment at the wrong time .

Hang in there- it's pretty neat to see everything and the longer you wait the more you get to see!

ardmj80 · October 2013

Sorry this is frustrating, but coming from the other side (I'm an us tech) it also frustrates us. Before 18 weeks some of the very important structures we have to find are just way too small to see. We've scanned people at 18 weeks, can't find something, tell the parents they have to come back for the things we couldn't see, and then they freak out that something is wrong with their baby. Most of the time the babies are fine, but why put the added stress on all parties involved? It is just easier to do at 20 weeks.

mhilpisch10 · October 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

jenniemac2000 said:

FarmBoysWife said:

mhilpisch10 said:
Seems like such a strict policy! I can't believe they couldn't just say "oh well it's only one day, we can make that work"
But in her chart its not one day, it's like 4-5 days (depending on how you want to count it) that is a big deal with developing babies!!
I was told that our hospital/doctors were having to reschedule so many because they couldn't get all the info as it could be too early that they made the policy that it has to be after 20 weeks. The machines are expensive, insurance for repeats were a nightmare and parents were worried when the tech couldn't get clear answers.

Edit: FFS why can I never quote right. I meant to quote an quote.

Well yes, but also its like trying to get a NT scan at 10 weeks if policy is it must be the 12th (which is what ours was) there can be big variances that can cause the above.

I think every board gets a few mom's who want to schedule early and are all excited to see LO at 17 weeks and then get screwed like this. My big thing is taking it out on the tech and realizing that the tech's/admin's aren't trying to screw you, but follow policy. Which is their job.

Yeah I'm not saying it's the techs fault or anything I just can't believe how much just a day or 2 or 3 can make. It's actually pretty amazing when you think about it! All of our Little one's are changing constantly!

kmmd2008 · October 2013

I will be rescheduling once I can make room in my work schedule. Things are so hectic! I will NOT bring going back to that office. Luckily I have like 6 others to choose from in my area.
I do feel better that we will able to see things more clearly, just disappointed I couldn't see baby!!

erind0213 · October 2013

My dr wont do before 20 weeks...

Bwagner91 · October 2013

I most definitely would have cried! And yelled at them lol. Sorry that happened to you!! So disappointing !

cdnmomma · October 2013

I think I feel more badly for the poor staff that got yelled at than I do for you. It pretty flippant that your response to your hubby yelling at them is 'haha'. You said it yourself - you should have known better. It seems like you were eager to sneak in a bit early and with that comes the risk of being turned away. The importance of timing is huge and I would rather wait and have better scan results than rush things. I think maybe you owe them an apology.

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