Ultrasound

Whether you’ve received a referral for an ultrasound or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about an ultrasound— from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses a handheld device, called a transducer, that sends out sound waves. The sound waves move through the body, bounce off organs, and return back to the transducer. These waves are then processed by computer technology to create real-time views of organs and tissues.

Before Your Appointment

SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM

There are several easy ways to schedule your exam, choose the option that works best for you.
Order Icon

1. Schedule Online

If you're a Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) patient and an imaging exam has been ordered for you, you will receive a link to schedule online.

Schedule Icon

2. Request Online

Not a WCM patient? Request an appointment to schedule by securely uploading your prescription.

Results Icon

3. Call Us Directly

Call 212-746-6000.
Mon-Fri: 8AM to 7PM ET
Sat-Sun: 9AM to 5PM ET

Our Locations that Offer Ultrasound

  • David H. Koch Center (Upper East Side)
  • Starr Pavillion (Upper East Side)
  • Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center (Midtown East)
  • Upper West Side
  • Lower Manhattan
  • Long Island City 

Complete Your Forms Easily 

Log in to Weill Cornell Connect to complete your safety forms ahead of time using eCheck-In. It’s quick and helps save you time on the day of your appointment. 

Don’t have an account? Join today! 

Preparing for Your Exam

When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:  

  • You need an interpreter in your language. 

FAQ

What should I wear to my ultrasound appointment?

Wearing the right clothing may eliminate the need for you to change into a gown prior to your exam. We suggest:

  • Comfortable clothing that is easy to remove if needed. 

Do I need to fast before my ultrasound exam?

Depending on the type of exam you are having, you may need to fast before your scan and/or have a full bladder. Please login to our patient portal, Weill Cornell Connectfor detailed prep information specific to you and your exam. 

What should I bring with me on the day of my ultrasound appointment?

  • A copy of your prescription if you have it. You can also upload your prescription before your exam here.
  • Your insurance card.
  • A list of your current medications.
  • Any prior imaging that has been done outside of Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University or NewYork-Presbyterian.

What can I expect on the day of my ultrasound appointment?

  • Check-In and Patient Verification: Your safety is our priority—we’ll verify your information when you check-in.
  • Changing: You may be asked to change into a gown. 

A medical chaperone is a member of our healthcare team, who acts as an impartial observer of the examination, or procedure. Depending on the exam you are having, a medical chaperone may be required to ensure your comfort. You may always request a medical chaperone at any time, even if not required for your exam.  

During Your Appointment

How is an ultrasound performed?

  • You will be comfortably positioned on an ultrasound table.
  • The technologist will apply a gel-like substance to the area being examined. The gel helps sound waves travel from the transducer and into your body.
  • As the technologist gently moves the transducer over your skin, the information from the sound waves creates real-time images on a computer screen. 
  • In some cases, the transducer may be inserted into an opening of the body, such as the vagina or rectum, to view internal structures more clearly. If you feel any discomfort during the exam, notify your technologist right away. 

After the Scan is Completed

The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings. Our staff will assist you with check-out. 

After Your Appointment

Aftercare

You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician. 

Imaging Review

Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:

  • Abdominal
  • Breast
  • Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
  • Molecular
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
  • Pediatrics

Receiving Your Results

Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.

Sharing Your Results

All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.

For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.

Understanding Your Results

Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have. 

If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.  

For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.