Frequently

Asked

Questions

General Questions

  • Bella Ultrasound Center is conveniently located at 620 Oakridge Commons in South Salem, New York, just minutes from the Connecticut border on Route 123. Our office is located in Oakridge Commons and serves families throughout Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY.

  • Yes. Free parking is available directly outside the building for all clients and guests.

  • Appointments may be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time using the link included in your confirmation email.

    Cancellations and rescheduling requests made within 24 hours of the appointment are subject to the loss of the $25 booking fee. The booking fee is non-refundable and reserves your appointment time.

  • You can reach Bella Ultrasound Center by phone, text, email, or through the contact form on our website.

    For the fastest response, please send a text message to (914) 977-4312.

  • We recommend planning to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

    Because appointments are scheduled throughout the day, clients arriving more than 10 minutes late may need to be rescheduled. Late arrivals may also be subject to the loss of the $25 booking fee.

    If you are running late, please call or text as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate you.

  • Yes. Gift certificates are available for any elective ultrasound session or package. They're a thoughtful way to celebrate a pregnancy, baby shower, or special milestone.

    Purchase a gift certificate online here.

Elective Ultrasound Questions

  • 2D ultrasound creates traditional black and white images and is commonly used during medical ultrasounds.

    3D ultrasound creates a still, three-dimensional image that allows you to see your baby's facial features and other details.

    4D ultrasound adds movement, allowing you to watch your baby in real time.

    HD ultrasound uses advanced rendering technology to provide even more detailed images with enhanced depth and realism.

  • Yes. Ultrasound has been used during pregnancy for decades and is considered safe when performed appropriately. No harmful side effects have been documented from routine prenatal ultrasound examinations.

    The ultrasound equipment used at Bella Ultrasound Center is the same type of technology used in hospitals and physician offices and is routinely maintained to ensure optimal performance and safety.

  • 3D/4D/HD Live Ultrasounds are performed between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

    For most babies, the ideal time is between 28 and 31 weeks, when facial features are well developed and there is still enough room and fluid to obtain beautiful images.

  • Yes. Gender determination is available beginning at 15 weeks gestation through our Gender Reveal Session.

    While gender can be determined in most cases, baby must be in a position that allows visualization of the anatomy.

  • Babies don't always cooperate, but there are several techniques we can try to encourage movement and improve positioning during your session.

    For 3D/4D/HD appointments, many parents choose to bring a favorite cold drink or snack that they know tends to get baby moving.

    If we are unable to obtain adequate images or determine gender due to baby's position, a complimentary rescan may be offered at the sonographer’s discretion.

  • For appointments at 9 weeks gestation and under, a full bladder is recommended.

    For appointments after 9 weeks, a full bladder is not necessary.

  • Absolutely. We have comfortable seating available for up to seven guests, and additional folding chairs can often be accommodated when needed.

    Many families also bring children and additional guests who are happy to sit on the carpeted floor while watching the ultrasound on the large viewing screen. We do our best to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone attending.

  • Yes. Children are welcome to attend.

    There is even a children's play table in the room for little ones who may need something to do during the session.

  • The Bella Baby App is a personalized mobile app created after your ultrasound session that allows you to view and share your ultrasound images and videos.

    There is nothing to download before your appointment. After your session is complete, a link to your app will be sent directly to you.

    The app can be shared with family and friends, and it can also be viewed on a computer by opening the link in a web browser.

  • For pregnancies under 14 weeks, the heartbeat is seen but not heard. Heart rate is measured using a safe ultrasound technique called M-mode.

    After 14 weeks, you will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat during the session.

  • No. Elective ultrasound sessions are not considered medical or diagnostic examinations and are not covered by insurance.

  • Yes. Our Checking In Session is designed for expectant parents who would like to see their baby between medical appointments. Available beginning at 6 weeks gestation, this session allows you to see your baby's heartbeat and spend a few special moments connecting with your baby.

    It is especially popular among first-time parents, IVF families, and parents who would appreciate additional time to bond with their baby between visits with their healthcare provider.

    Please note that this is an elective, non-diagnostic ultrasound experience. The session is intended for bonding and visualization only and is not a substitute for prenatal care or a medical ultrasound. Other than confirming the presence of a heartbeat, no diagnostic evaluation of the pregnancy, baby, or maternal anatomy is performed during this session.

    If you are experiencing symptoms, have concerns about your pregnancy, or are seeking a medical evaluation for reassurance, we offer diagnostic OB ultrasound examinations that are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. Learn more about our diagnostic OB ultrasound services here.

  • Many of our ultrasound sessions include the option to live stream the appointment for family and friends who cannot attend in person.

    The live stream is broadcast through a private YouTube link. Only individuals who receive the link will be able to view the session.

    When you arrive for your appointment, a viewing link will be sent to your phone. You may then share the link with family and friends who would like to watch remotely.

    Please note that the live stream does not include audio. Many families choose to call, FaceTime, or video chat with loved ones during the appointment so they can hear what is happening in the room while watching the live stream.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Questions

  • No, a doctor's referral is not required to schedule a diagnostic ultrasound examination. If your healthcare provider has ordered the exam, you may upload your referral during the scheduling process for convenience, but it is not required to book your appointment. Please bring any physician order or referral with you to your appointment if one has been provided.

    While a physician order is not required for most examinations, patients should be under the care of a healthcare provider, clinic, or medical practice that can provide appropriate follow-up care if needed after the ultrasound examination.

    Bella Ultrasound Center performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging and provides radiologist-interpreted reports; however, we do not provide ongoing medical care, treatment recommendations, or follow-up management. Your results should be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can determine any necessary next steps.

    If you do not currently have a healthcare provider, we recommend establishing care with an appropriate medical provider before scheduling your examination.

  • Bella Ultrasound Center offers a variety of diagnostic ultrasound exams, including:

    Visit the Diagnostic Ultrasound page for a complete list of available exams.

  • Appointments can be scheduled online through our Diagnostic Ultrasound page.

    Simply select the exam you need and choose an available appointment time.

  • Exam times vary depending on the type of ultrasound being performed.

    Some exams may take as little as 10–15 minutes, while more comprehensive vascular studies may take up to an hour.

  • Most ultrasound reports are available the next business day.

    Exams performed on weekends are typically reviewed on the next available business day, and reports are usually available by Tuesday.

  • All diagnostic ultrasound exams are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist.

  • If your exam was ordered by a healthcare provider and a referral is provided, a copy of the report will be sent directly to your provider.

    If you scheduled the exam without a referral, you will receive your report and may share it with your healthcare provider as needed.

  • Preparation requirements vary depending on the exam being performed.

    Some exams require fasting, while others require a full bladder. Any preparation instructions will be provided during the scheduling process and in your appointment confirmation email.

  • Bella Ultrasound Center does not bill or accept insurance.

    However, HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

  • Fertility monitoring appointments are available for established fertility patients who have been instructed by their fertility clinic to obtain ultrasound monitoring.

Fertility Ultrasound Questions

  • Bella Ultrasound Center provides fertility monitoring ultrasounds for patients whose fertility clinic utilizes outside ultrasound monitoring.

    Whether you're beginning a treatment cycle, monitoring follicle development, or scheduling an early pregnancy ultrasound, we're here to provide timely, accurate imaging in a calm and supportive environment.

  • Yes. You may schedule online here. If your fertility clinic requests an appointment on a day you don't see available, please text us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

  • If your fertility clinic has requested monitoring on a specific day and you don't see an appointment available online, please text us. We understand that fertility monitoring must be performed on specific cycle days and will do our best to accommodate your appointment whenever possible—even on days we're normally closed.

    • Please upload your ultrasound order when scheduling, if possible. If you are unable to upload it, please text or email it to us. Uploading your order ahead of time helps us prepare for your visit.

    • Bring your monitoring worksheet to your appointment for the sonographer to fill out.

  • Most fertility monitoring ultrasounds are performed transvaginally and do not require a full bladder, unless your fertility clinic provides different instructions.

  • Your worksheet and ultrasound images are emailed directly to your fertility clinic. You will also be copied on the email for your records.

  • No. Bella Ultrasound Center provides ultrasound monitoring only. Bloodwork must be completed through your fertility clinic or at the laboratory designated by your provider.

  • Yes. Our fertility monitoring fees are already offered at a reduced rate compared with our standard diagnostic ultrasound pricing.

  • Most fertility monitoring appointments last about 30 minutes, although appointments may take longer if multiple follicles need to be measured.