New member mama/bad ultrasound

[Cleary Shea]

Hello I am a new member and am very thankful of this resource! I have a 2-year old girl and am expecting a boy this May/June 2005.

I just experienced an unpleasant situation after an ultrasound and would like to share it. I had an ultrasound because I was measuring 5cm larger than unsual. (My unpleasant experience during the ultrasound is an entire new thread). The doctor who performed the u/s did a measurement around the neck. (I learned that this measurement is never performed at 22 weeks).

To make a long story short, the clinic recommended I speak to a genetic counselor, as this fluid count can help with the finding of Downs Syndrome. The counselor then told me that not only was the measurement not supposed to be performed, but the doctor did it incorrectly. I was outraged : that this happened. Shouldn't all radiologists know what measurements to take and do them correctly?

I have decided not to pursue any other testing. But what about the woman who decides to do so? I did go through some emotions, but my instincts told me that everything was fine.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? I just wonder what can be done about it - raise awareness. I could go on and on, but will pause for now....
thanks for reading!

[earcher]

I would be really angry and I'd want the bill denied! Heck why should you pay for testing that was mis administered AND technically inacurate??? I'm not sure where you can take this.

[Night_Nurse]

Originally Posted by Cleary Shea

The counselor then told me that not only was the measurement not supposed to be performed, but the doctor did it incorrectly. I was outraged : that this happened. Shouldn't all radiologists know what measurements to take and do them correctly?

Yes, they should. Ask the counselor why they shouldn't be performed at that early time and what measurements should be taken. Then you can investigate that info or call other testing facilities and ask them what they do. If it's drastically different, call or write the office that did this to you at the early time and let them know. Maybe the radiologist or sonographer who did it doesn't know he/she was doing the wrong thing. Then if you let them know "it's recommended at such and such weeks" or "facility xyz doesn't fo this until week whatever because of accuracy" they may change their policy. Let them know you're passing this info along because of the emotional rollercoaster it can send mamas on and that you don't want anyone else to worry needlessly.
They may take a complaint lodged in that manner, wanting to prevent other patients from worrying, better than just a complaint against their employees. I hope that makes sense.

[trini]

Um, this thread is from 2005.