Abstract
Article: Case Series: Superficial Sonography in Urgent Care
Authors: Garth S. Nanni, MS, RDMS, RVT and Samantha Cofsky, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, RMSKS
Category: Other [OT]
Credit: 0.75 SDMS CME Credit
Objectives: After studying the article entitled “Case Series: Superficial Sonography in Urgent Care,” you will be able to
Understand the use of ultrasound in evaluation of soft tissue
Describe the critical thinking skills paramount in soft tissue sonography
Understand the benefits of soft tissue examinations in an Urgent Care (UC) setting
Experience and critical thinking skills are needed in soft tissue sonography due to The technologist’s need to provide the patient with a diagnosis The technologist’s role in recommending treatment Lack of specific guidelines or educational preparation available to the technologist Absence of qualified radiologists
There has been an increase in UC visits due to An aging population and unavailability of primary care providers UCs’ aggressive advertising campaigns UCs being less expensive than hospital emergency departments Patient apprehension of going to an emergency room for minor issues
Sonography has proven useful in differentiating superficial thrombophlebitis from superficial phlebitis and Evaluation of peripheral arterial flow Enabling determination of venous blood viscosity Determining whether the deep venous system is involved Making the decision to transfer to inpatient treatment
Sonography in UC has become more prevalent due to Need for increased revenue for the facilities in a poor economy Increased patient demand for less invasive evaluations The ease in which the test is performed Its low cost and ability to target the area of interest and lack of ionizing radiation
According to the article, including loose soft tissue protocols in sonography departments as a guide can encourage technologists to Notify the interpreting radiologist in a timely manner Make sure patient gets lab work and follow-up appointments Obtain orthogonal images and include color and/or pulsed wave Doppler Make sure the test is precertified and coded correctly