Frequently Asked Questions

Is preparation required before a thyroid ultrasound? No. Unlike some abdominal exams, thyroid ultrasound requires no fasting or special preparation beforehand. Patients may eat, drink, and take their usual medications as normal on the day of the exam. This is because the thyroid gland sits close to the surface of the neck and is not affected by digestion or stomach contents the way abdominal organs are. Simply arrive at your scheduled time; no additional planning is needed.Is the exam painful? No. The exam involves light pressure from the transducer as it's moved across the neck, which most patients find comfortable. It uses no radiation, no needles, and requires no sedation or recovery time. Some patients may be asked to slightly extend or turn their neck to help the technologist capture clearer images of both lobes. Normal activities can be resumed immediately afterward.Does ultrasound determine whether a nodule is cancerous? Ultrasound characterizes a nodule's size, shape, margins, and internal composition, features that help a provider assess how likely a nodule is to be benign or to warrant further evaluation. Certain characteristics, such as irregular margins or specific internal patterns, may prompt a recommendation for a follow-up biopsy. However, ultrasound imaging alone does not provide a definitive cancer diagnosis. A tissue sample, evaluated by a pathologist, is required to make that determination.Is insurance accepted? Exams at Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound are self-pay, with pricing set at $250 and confirmed before scheduling. Payment can be made by card or HSA at the time of your appointment. We do not bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, which allows us to keep pricing straightforward and avoid the delays that can come with prior authorization or claims processing. This also means there are no surprise charges after your visit.How soon are results available? Once your exam is complete, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, who prepares a formal written report. That report is typically sent to your ordering provider within 24 to 48 hours. Your provider will then review the findings alongside your symptoms, labs, and medical history to determine any next steps. Results are not provided directly to patients at the time of the scan, since interpretation and clinical correlation are handled by your provider.