At My Concierge MD, diagnostic ultrasound provides real-time images of organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues without ionizing radiation. Under the care of David Nazarian, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, ultrasound findings are considered alongside your medical history, physical examination, and other testing to guide individualized decisions.
Ultrasound Imaging as Part of Executive Physicals and Preventive Care
Our executive physical examinations may incorporate selected ultrasound studies based on your age, symptoms, examination findings, family history, and personal risk factors. Examples include aortic aneurysm screening in eligible patients, targeted thyroid imaging for an identified concern, and vascular ultrasound when clinically indicated. The purpose is to identify relevant abnormalities early when appropriate, not to perform indiscriminate whole-body screening.
Ultrasound is one part of our broader Advanced Diagnostics approach, which can include laboratory evaluation, cardiac testing, and other imaging when medically justified. We review results in the context of a personalized care plan.
Types of Ultrasound Examinations We Offer
Explore the types of ultrasound studies available through our practice. Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate examination for your specific question.
Thyroid Ultrasound
A thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the thyroid gland, including nodules, cysts, enlargement, and changes in thyroid structure. It may be recommended for a palpable lump, abnormal neck examination, or follow-up of a previously identified nodule.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
Carotid duplex ultrasound combines structural imaging and Doppler blood-flow assessment to look for plaque and narrowing in the carotid arteries. It is ordered when a patient’s symptoms, vascular history, or clinical findings make the examination appropriate; it is not a universal screening test.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT)
CIMT measures the thickness of layers of the carotid artery wall. Although it has been studied as a cardiovascular risk marker, routine CIMT measurement is not generally recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment in asymptomatic adults. We explain when an assessment is informative and when other risk tools are preferable.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound can assess the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, and selected abdominal structures. Depending on the question, it may help evaluate abdominal pain, gallstones, liver abnormalities, or kidney problems. Preparation may include fasting.
Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound
A focused scan can measure the abdominal aorta to evaluate for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Screening is most useful in defined risk groups, based on factors such as age, smoking history, and family history.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound may help characterize a lump or an imaging finding and distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses. It can complement mammography but is not a routine replacement for age- and risk-appropriate mammographic screening.
Obstetric Ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound may assess pregnancy location, fetal development, gestational age, or other pregnancy-related questions. The type and timing of examination depend on gestational age and clinical needs; specialty obstetric imaging and follow-up are arranged when indicated.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound evaluates the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, bladder, and surrounding pelvic structures, depending on the examination. Transabdominal or transvaginal techniques may be used when appropriate, with patient consent.
Prostate Ultrasound
Prostate ultrasound can assess gland size and selected structural findings. Transabdominal or transrectal techniques may be considered for specific indications. Ultrasound alone cannot rule out prostate cancer and does not replace individualized prostate cancer risk assessment.
Scrotal and Testicular Ultrasound
Scrotal ultrasound evaluates the testes and surrounding tissues, including lumps, cysts, fluid collections, and blood flow. Sudden severe testicular pain requires emergency evaluation rather than a routine appointment.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides dynamic views of selected muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues. It may help evaluate tendon injuries, fluid collections, or palpable abnormalities, depending on the location.
Venous Doppler and Extremity Ultrasound
Venous duplex ultrasound evaluates blood flow and vein compressibility, including assessment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when indicated. Other extremity studies can assess selected arterial or soft-tissue problems. New leg swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath warrants emergency care.
General and Soft-Tissue Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound may evaluate a superficial lump, lymph node, cyst, or other accessible soft-tissue concern. The appropriate scan depends on the physical examination and clinical question.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound Appointment
Most ultrasound examinations use a handheld transducer and gel placed on the skin. The sonographer or clinician moves the transducer over the area of interest while images are obtained. Some pelvic or prostate examinations require a different technique and will be discussed beforehand. Preparation varies: certain abdominal studies require fasting, while some pelvic studies require a full bladder. Our team will provide instructions specific to your test.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound Testing
Does ultrasound use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves rather than ionizing radiation.
Can an ultrasound detect disease early?
Ultrasound can identify certain structural or vascular abnormalities, sometimes before symptoms develop. However, it cannot detect every disease, and routine scanning without a clinical indication may produce false positives or incidental findings. Appropriate screening depends on individual risk.
Are ultrasound scans included in an executive physical?
Selected scans may be incorporated into an executive physical when appropriate to the patient’s medical history and program. The exact tests and any additional fees should be confirmed with our team.
Is a carotid ultrasound the same as CIMT?
No. Carotid Doppler or duplex ultrasound assesses blood flow and possible narrowing or plaque. CIMT measures artery wall thickness. They have different clinical uses, and routine CIMT screening is not recommended for most asymptomatic adults.
Does a breast ultrasound replace a mammogram?
No. Breast ultrasound may provide additional information, but mammography remains important for recommended breast cancer screening.
How should I prepare for an ultrasound?
Preparation depends on the scan. Abdominal examinations may require fasting; pelvic studies may require a full bladder. Ask our team for instructions before your visit.
Schedule an Ultrasound Consultation in Beverly Hills
For questions about ultrasound testing, an executive health evaluation, or other diagnostic services, contact My Concierge MD to request an appointment. The appropriate study and timing will be determined based on your clinical needs.
Medical information on this page is educational and does not replace individualized evaluation. Not every listed examination is appropriate for routine preventive screening.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on