Question about echocardiograms

[Paleowoman]

Because of a dispute between my insurer and the private hospital group where my cardiologist does my echocardiograms, my cardiologist will be unable to do my next echo there. His secretary told me that he has a "portable echocardiogram machine" which he could use at another private hospital or I would have a technician do an echo on a proper echocardiogram machine at another private hospital and a report would be sent to my cardiologist. I looked up about portable echocardiogram machines on the net and it seems from my reading they are not as accurate as regular echocardiogram machines.

I am at the stage where my pressure gradient is nearing the severe level so I'm wondering if anyone here has any views on this:

Should I go for my own cardiologist doing the echo on his portable machine or should I go for a technician doing the echo on a proper machine ? Bearing in mind that I want as accurate pressure gradient reading as possible.

 

[Freddie]

Not to sound rude, but I think you answered your own question;
"I want as accurate pressure gradient reading as possible."

Go with a technician doing the echo on a proper machine.

 

[Lionheart]

Anne,
I agree with Freddie. Your best choice is to use a good technician with the proper machine in order to provide your cardiologist with a diagnostic echo.
Best
John

 

[yotphix]

The first time I was sent for an echo, it was to a nondescript little lab in an office building somewhere, and the first thing my new cardiologist did upon seeing it, was send me for an echo from the lab at his hospital where he trusted both the equipment and the techs. 'All echos are not equal' he said. It matters, especially when you are trying to determine whether you are at or over the edge.
Perhaps your cardio could get an accurate reading with his portable gear, but in your shoes I'd prefer to be looked at with the best equipment there is, and by a tech who does something like a dozen of them a day, not by my cardio (who is really good at being a cardiologist mind you) on the easy bake oven of ultrasound.

 

[Paleowoman]

Thanks everyone for "echoing" what I was thinking - I needed to know it wasn't just me !

 

[Bina]

Anne, go for the best echo and tech that you can. Best wishes.

 

[Mentu]

For you this may not be routine

For you this may not be routine

Anne, since your heart is changing this may not be a routine proceedure for you. Even under the best circumstances, values calculated from echocardiograms can have a significant error range. You want the clearest test. If you have doubts that you cannot get that in cardiologist's office then you will only worry about the results for months to come.

Larry
Tulsa, OK

 

[Paleowoman]

I just looked at the website of the hospital where I will ask to get the echo done and I notice they do Cardiac MRI which I didn't know could be done !

 

[Sarah_Louise]

I've had echo's on both type of machines and there has NEVER been any dispute between the levels/pressures ect,
Go with what you think/beleive will be best for you
Good luck!
Sarah xxxxx

 

[Paleowoman]

The dispute between my insurer and the private hospital group has just been resolved http://www.bupa.co.uk/intermediaries/int-news/int-bupa-updates/bmi-hospitals-update so I'll be able to have my cardiologist do the echo himself on a proper machine - phew

 

[bradvo]

Make sure you get to hear the sound, blood going thru a smaller orifice and when you get tested again with new valve with blood going thru the right size orifice.
To me it was night and day.

Brad

PS
Good to read you have your concerns resolved.