During a sonogram for my gallbladder will I also be allowed to see my baby?

It never hurts to ask… the only bad question is the one unasked is my motto.

Since you’ve got the goop all over your belly already, a nice technician or doctor will take the few minutes to show you the baby.

Allowed? It your body, you are in charge. If you want to see it, tell them.

It the prescription is for a gallbladder study, your baby is not included in the protocol.

@YARNLADY Yes, you have a right to see whatever, but the tech won’t have an obligation to do that scan. Many ultrasound techs are dramatically overscheduled for more scans than should be done in a normal day and might not be able to accommodate extra work in the time they have.

It won’t hurt to ask though.

Unlikely; if your doctor has ordered a gallbladder scan, then that’s the only thing that the insurance company will pay for. I recently had a gall bladder scan in which an incidental finding was that I only had one kidney. She did not check my entire abdominal cavity and I had to schedule a CT to attempt to locate it (nope, only got one). I was told that the lower abdomen is considered “the pelvic region” and so would not be covered under my current orders.

Just ask them. It won’t be a big deal.

Yes, the tech should do it out of courtesy. It would only take an extra minute. It’s not a big deal. Just ask politely if he/she doesn’t offer.

@dabbler I keep forgetting that the insurance company dictates what they will and won’t pay for. Many people think that means they can’t do the procedure, but what it really means is they have to pay for it instead of the insurance. Personally, I would pay the extra, but that’s just me.

@SpatzieLover “the tech should do it out of courtesy. It would only take an extra minute”

Sorry that is Not correct on both counts. The tech is specifically supposed to do what they are supposed to do, it is a prescription.
And that is a big assumption that it will take only a minute. Scans do not take a minute unless you are lucky to have ideal anatomy and the tech’s is good at both gall bladder protocol and ob/gyn protocols which is unlikely as they get/require different training and certifications.

If the tech does it for you they are doing you a Big Favor. It is certainly not something you should expect or take for granted. It is certainly not something the tech “should” do. Depending on the institution for which the somographer is working it could cause trouble for her/him to go outside the protocol that is prescribed.

@YARNLADY Not just the insurance company, it’s a prescription. You could pay for the extra procedure but you will have to arrange it with a doctor who will prescribe it. The tech won’t do it ‘officially’, on the books / paid for, without a prescription.

An exception to this is if your MD is also your sonographer (some Doctors in private practice will also get trained and certified in sonography so they can do it all in their office). They could decide on the spot to do further scans and handle all the prescription/insurance themselves.

:( How disappointing. I kind of figured the tech wouldn’t do it. But still, I’m so anxious to see him. I was just hoping…

Just smile sweetly and ask. They’ll let you look.

Will you let us all know if they cooperate?

@zenvelo Of course :) I’ll update Monday after my appointment. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed.

Good news! The ultrasound lady was so nice and did us the favor of showing us the baby! And she even printed out some pics. We got to see his gender again, and even caught him yawning and putting his hands in his mouth. Awesome :)

I’m glad you got a nice tech. Ahhhhhh the baby!

* * * Y A Y * * * thanks for the update.

Told ya! Now you have to scan the pictures in and show everybody.

Yay ! I’m glad that worked out. Great report, thank you @ItalianPrincess1217 !
Wishing you both continued health.