Frequently Asked Questions

Whether this is your first ultrasound, or you’ve had one before, you may have some questions!

General

  • Yes, a diagnostic ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes sound waves to create detailed images of the body. Unlike imaging methods that use radiation, ultrasounds are considered risk-free and have been used in medical diagnostics for decades. They’re trusted tools for assessing various health conditions across different areas of care.

  • We are located in the Lakeside area in Richmond, Virginia at 6924 Lakeside Avenue #204A, Richmond, Va. 23228. We are easy to access from interstate 95 and many major roads like Brook Rd (Rt. 1), Staples Mill Road and Chamberlayne Ave (Rt. 301). Please see our clickable map below for Google Maps directions.

  • A diagnostic ultrasound is a medically ordered exam performed by a registered sonographer to evaluate a variety of health conditions. It requires a provider's order and produces a formal radiology report sent to your healthcare provider.

    An elective or keepsake ultrasound (such as 3D/4D/5D scans) is performed for bonding or personal experience purposes and does not produce a clinical report. AOI Diagnostic Ultrasound performs diagnostic exams only.

Ultrasound Overview

  • We perform a variety of ultrasounds to meet your specific healthcare needs. We perform abdominal, gynecologic, obstetric, thyroid, soft tissue, limited vascular and male pelvis/scrotal ultrasounds. You can view a full list of our exams here. Please reach out with any questions about your exam needs. We are happy to help!

  • Any of our exams can be self-scheduled for adult patients (18 years or older) without prior approval. Per our reading radiologist policy, pediatric patients are taken on a case by case basis and will need to be approved by our radiologist before scheduling. Please call us at 804-597-9650 so that we can discuss your exam needs for your child.

  • It will vary slighty depending on the exam type, but in most cases you will lie down on a comfortable exam table and a clear water based jelly will be applied to the area being imaged. Exams are generally painless and at times you may feel slight pressure.

    Once the images are completed we wipe away the gel and you can continue your day as you normally would with no restrictions on activity!

  • The ultrasound will be sent to a radiologist who will create a report for your provider which they will receive in 1-2 business days. Unfortunately, the sonographer is not able to give any results at the time of your appointment but is happy to answer any other general questions you may have!

  • Most ultrasounds take less than 30 minutes and are scheduled with time to allow our patients to not feel rushed and for the sonographer to thoroughly capture all images needed.

  • Yes! We are happy to have one adult guest in the room. Children must be old enough to sit quietly during the exam as we are not able to supervise them during the exam. They are welcome to watch their favorite show or movie if wearing headphones.

Scheduling an Appointment

  • Yes, a diagnostic ultrasound requires an order from a provider. We accept a paper order, a faxed or a clear photo of your order that can be texted to us. Our fax number is 804-999-0453 and texts can be sent to 804-597-9650.

  • Once your provider gives you an order/referral for an ultrasound you can schedule your appointment for a day and time that works for you using our online booking system. Payment is made at the time of booking. You will then receive a confirmation email with your intake paperwork. We accept credit cards, HSA and FSA payments. We do not accept insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

  • We do offer same day appointments. Please reach out to us by calling 804-597-9650 to check same-day availability. However, we do not offer walk-in appointments. All appointments must be booked online and paid in advance to allow us to provide you with a seamless, stress-free experience during your appointment.

  • Yes, to reschedule or cancel please reach out to us by calling 804-597-9650 at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you do not show up for an appointment and fail to notify us, payment for that exam will be forfeited. There is no charge to reschedule an appointment.

Preparing for your Appointment

  • The prep needed can vary depending on the type of exam your provider has ordered for you. Some exams will require a full bladder, while others require a 6-8 hour fast. Specific instructions will be provided with your intake paperwork when scheduling your appointment.

    Please feel free to reach out with any questions about your exam prep instructions. We are happy to clarify!

  • We suggest wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that is east to adjust to allow access to the area being scanned. However, avoid wearing jewelry or accessories over the area.

  • Please bring your providers order/referral if it was not previously sent during the booking/intake process. If you have any imaging reports you feel may be helpful to your sonographer please feel free to bring a copy along.

    There is no need to bring a form of payment, as this is taken care of at the time of booking.

Payment

  • The cost can vary depending on the type of exam. Please visit our services page for more detailed information. Our prices include all costs associated with your exam, including the radiologist report, so the price listed is the no-surprise cost that you pay.

    We are a self-pay diagnostic ultrasound facility with pricing that is often much lower that the costs through larger facilities. We offer a great savings without having to sacrifice the high quality care that you deserve.

  • We accept credit cards, HSA and FSA payments which are made at the time of booking. Your payment includes all costs associated with your exam including the radiologist report.

    We are a self-pay facility and do not accept health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid at this time.

    At your request, we are happy to provide a “Superbill” for you to submit to your private insurance.

  • All payments must be completed online at the time of booking. Paying ahead reserves your appointment time.

  • Yes, you can purchase a USB of your images for $10.

Come see us!

We are located in the Lakeside area of Richmond, Virginia close to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

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