Helpful resources for outpatient offices and women's health practices considering or expanding ultrasound services.
Professional Organizations
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SDMS — Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
The leading professional organization for sonographers — education, advocacy, and career resources. -
ARDMS — American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
The gold standard for sonographer credentialing. Verify credentials and find registered professionals. -
AIUM — American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Practice guidelines, OB/GYN-specific accreditation standards, and educational resources. Updated OB accreditation requirements in 2025. -
ACR — American College of Radiology
Accreditation programs for obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound. OB and GYN exam requirements revised May 2025. -
ACOG — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Clinical guidelines and practice standards for obstetric and gynecologic care, including ultrasound imaging guidelines. -
ISUOG — International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology
International practice guidelines for OB/GYN ultrasound. Published first point-of-care OB/GYN ultrasound guidelines in 2026.
Publications by Lisa Pearson
Sonographic Diagnosis of an Indirect Inguinal Hernia in a Pediatric Patient
Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 18, pp. 158-160, May/June 2002
Early Endometrial Cancer in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report
Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 19, pp. 26-33, January/February 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials should I look for in a sonographer?
At minimum, look for ARDMS registration (RDMS for general/OB, RVT for vascular). The credential ensures the sonographer has met national education and examination standards. Advanced credentials like APS (Advanced Practice Sonographer) indicate additional expertise.
How do I know if my outpatient office needs ultrasound services?
If your practice regularly refers patients for ultrasound exams, bringing imaging in-house can improve patient convenience, reduce referral leakage, and create a new revenue stream. A needs assessment can help determine if the volume justifies the investment.
What does a typical ultrasound system cost for an outpatient office?
New mid-range to high-end ultrasound systems suitable for outpatient use typically range from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on the manufacturer, features, and transducer package. Refurbished systems can be significantly less. Acurasound provides brand-agnostic guidance to help you find the right fit.
What accreditation do I need for ultrasound?
Accreditation requirements vary by state, payer, and facility type. Common accrediting bodies include the ACR (American College of Radiology), AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine), and IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission). Acurasound can help you determine which accreditation applies to your practice and guide you through the process.
How long does it take to set up an ultrasound program?
A typical outpatient ultrasound program can be operational within 2-4 months, including equipment procurement, room preparation, protocol development, and staff training. Acurasound provides end-to-end support to streamline the process.
Why does my OB/GYN practice need a dedicated ultrasound consultant?
OB/GYN ultrasound protocols are more complex than general imaging — they change with gestational age, risk factors, and screening guidelines. Accreditation bodies (ACR, AIUM) have separate OB/GYN requirements that were updated in 2025. A consultant with specific OB/GYN expertise ensures your protocols meet current standards, your staff is trained on specialty techniques, and your accreditation documentation is complete.
What ultrasound services does a fertility clinic need?
Fertility clinics require sonographers trained in follicle tracking, endometrial thickness assessment, and cycle monitoring protocols — with demanding turnaround requirements. Acurasound can help set up fertility-specific imaging protocols, train your team on reproductive medicine ultrasound, and evaluate equipment suited to your clinical workflow.