A pregnancy ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. This procedure is a routine part of prenatal care, used to accurately date the pregnancy and monitor the health and development of the fetus. The location for your scan depends on whether it is a routine diagnostic check or a specialized examination.
Diagnostic Ultrasounds at Primary Care Providers
The most common setting for routine pregnancy ultrasounds is within the office of your primary obstetrical care provider, such as an OB/GYN or certified nurse-midwife practice. Many clinics are equipped with their own ultrasound machines and employ registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS) to perform the scans in-house. These routine procedures, often called Level I scans, include the early dating scan (around eight weeks) and the comprehensive anatomy scan (between 18 and 22 weeks).
These scans confirm viability, measure the fetus to estimate a due date, and check for the development of major organs. The sonographer captures detailed two-dimensional (2D) images of the fetal anatomy, placenta, and amniotic fluid levels. Receiving the scan at your provider’s office allows for immediate review by your physician, streamlining prenatal care.
Some larger hospital systems or maternity units also offer outpatient clinics dedicated to routine obstetrical imaging. These locations function similarly to in-office settings for standard diagnostic purposes.
Specialized Imaging Centers and Hospital Radiology
When a pregnancy is high-risk or a complication is suspected, the patient is referred to a specialized imaging center or a hospital’s main radiology department. These facilities house advanced equipment and specialized medical personnel for complex examinations. The most common specialized scan is the Level II ultrasound, also called a targeted or detailed anatomy survey.
The Level II scan provides a more in-depth, high-resolution evaluation of the fetal anatomy than a standard routine scan. It is performed and interpreted by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist or a specialized radiologist. This advanced imaging aims to rule out or confirm potential structural abnormalities or growth restrictions.
These specialized centers also perform specific diagnostic procedures like fetal echocardiograms, which focus solely on the baby’s heart structure and function. Accessing a Level II scan requires a specific referral from your primary care provider due to the need for higher medical expertise and technology.
Elective and Non-Medical Ultrasound Services
Separate from diagnostic medical imaging are elective ultrasound services, offered purely for keepsake or entertainment purposes. These scans often use three-dimensional (3D), four-dimensional (4D), or HD Live technology to provide detailed images and real-time video of the baby’s face and movements. These services are typically offered at independent, retail-style businesses rather than in a clinical medical setting.
These non-medical facilities are popular for gender confirmation sessions or to provide a bonding experience for the family. These elective scans do not replace the medically necessary diagnostic ultrasounds ordered by your healthcare provider. While many independent studios employ certified sonographers, they do not issue formal diagnostic reports to your physician.
Elective ultrasounds are self-pay services, and the cost is not covered by health insurance because they lack medical necessity. If a potential concern is noted during an elective session, the studio recommends the patient schedule a follow-up diagnostic scan with their primary medical provider.
Navigating Referrals, Scheduling, and Costs
Securing a diagnostic pregnancy ultrasound requires a referral or an order from a licensed healthcare provider, such as your OB/GYN or midwife. This order establishes the medical necessity of the procedure, which is a requirement for insurance companies to process the claim. Your primary care office typically handles the scheduling process for routine scans, either with their in-house team or by coordinating with an external facility.
Routine diagnostic ultrasounds are generally covered by health insurance, though the patient may be responsible for a copay or co-insurance depending on the specific plan and deductible status. The cost of a standard diagnostic scan without insurance varies widely, often ranging from $200 to over $800, depending on the location and the type of facility performing the scan. Large hospitals may charge significantly more for the same procedure than a standalone imaging center.
Elective scans, by contrast, are paid for completely out-of-pocket, with prices typically ranging from $75 to $350 based on the length of the session and the package chosen. Uninsured or underinsured patients requiring medically necessary diagnostic scans may access low-cost or free services through public health clinics or pregnancy resource centers. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider and the imaging center directly beforehand to understand your financial obligation for any scheduled diagnostic scan.