Now at our office

Ultrasound Imaging

Preventive and diagnostic ultrasound exams — offered at our San Diego office. No harmful radiation, and no referral needed for preventive screening.

Ultrasound imaging illustrated with botanical art

What is ultrasound?

The eye that looks inside

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves — inaudible to the human ear — sent from the body surface and reflected from within.

It can observe movement and measure blood flow inside vessels.

  • Easy, accurate and convenient for diagnosis and monitoring
  • No harmful radiation
  • Rapid and painless examination

Benefits & Applications

Why ultrasound checkups

Ultrasound is safe, versatile and cost-effective — making it ideal for the early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of many conditions.

01

Non-invasive & painless

No incisions or needles — a gentle, comfortable exam that needs no recovery time.

02

No ionizing radiation

Unlike X-ray or CT, ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation and is generally considered safe when medically indicated, including during pregnancy.

03

Real-time imaging

Structures and movement are seen as they happen, allowing immediate assessment and monitoring.

04

Wide range of applications

From organ assessment to Doppler blood-flow evaluation and procedure guidance, its uses are remarkably broad.

05

Quick & convenient

Most exams take only 15–45 minutes and can be done in a clinic setting without a hospital visit.

06

Cost-effective

Typically far less expensive than MRI or CT, with clear, dependable imaging.

07

Helps detect abnormalities

Can reveal certain tumors, cysts and lesions in soft tissue, organs and blood vessels — often before they progress.

08

Monitors treatment progress

Lets us see how a treatment is working and adjust your care with confidence.

Applications

Conditions that benefit most

Ultrasound supports screening and monitoring across a wide range of health concerns.

Benefit and application information adapted from our imaging partner, Allive Ultrasound Imaging.

  • Abdominal conditions — gallbladder, liver, kidney and pancreas
  • Pelvic conditions — gynecologic, prostate and bladder
  • Breast conditions — lump evaluation and implant assessment
  • Thyroid disorders — nodules, cysts and goiter
  • Musculoskeletal conditions — injuries, inflammation and joint guidance
  • Pediatric & infectious conditions — congenital screening and abscess evaluation

Preventive Screening Exam

Helps identify health problems early or check your overall health.

  • No doctor's note required
  • Screening is self-pay (not covered by Medicare or most insurers)
  • Payment due at time of exam

Diagnostic Ultrasound Exam

A thorough exam of a specific area as requested by your doctor.

  • Doctor's note required
  • Results sent to your ordering physician
  • May be reviewed by a board-certified radiologist on request

Individual Exams

Choose the areas you need

Nine individual exams tailored to your needs. Select any exam below to see what it covers and how to prepare.

Whole Abdomen01 · Core screening 6-hr fast

Includes the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta and IVC. Used for abdominal pains, gallstones, kidney stones and tumors.

Preparation 6-hour fasting required.

Renal (Kidneys)02 · Kidneys & bladder Full bladder

Covers the right and left kidneys and the bladder. Evaluates size, injuries, blockages, kidney stones, cysts, tumors and UTI complications.

Preparation Full bladder — drink 500–700 ml of water 2–3 hours before.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm03 · Vascular screening No prep

Measures the abdominal aorta for abnormalities. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, emphysema, obesity and genetics.

Recommended for age 50+, or 40+ with cardiovascular risk factors.

Breast04 · Women's imaging No prep

Detects breast tumors or cysts, often after questionable mammogram or thermogram results. Used for women under 30, or those breastfeeding with tenderness or masses. Both breasts are evaluated.

Female Pelvis05 · Pelvic imaging Full bladder

Assesses the uterus, cervix, vagina, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Detects fibroids, cysts, masses and tumors.

Preparation Drink 500–700 ml of water 2–3 hours before and keep the bladder full.

Male Pelvis06 · Prostate & scrotal Full bladder

Scrotal exams evaluate the testicles, epididymis and scrotum for pain, swelling, infertility or masses. Prostate exams assess urinary difficulties, nodules and enlargement.

Preparation Full bladder required.

Soft Tissue07 · Nodules & lumps No prep

Evaluates superficial nodules such as cysts or lipomas.

Thyroid08 · Gland imaging No prep

Evaluates swelling, pain or masses in the thyroid and surrounding tissues.

Preparation None needed.

Vascular Carotid09 · Neck arteries No prep

Detects stenosis or abnormalities in the neck arteries.

Recommended for those with diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, or a family history of stroke or heart disease.

Packaged Wellness

Comprehensive check-up packages

Selected tests for essential health check-ups, provided as convenient packages — with up to 30% savings.

01

Women's Wellness

Includes whole abdomen, female pelvis and breast ultrasound.

02

Men's Wellness

Includes whole abdomen, male pelvis and cardiac screening ultrasound.

03

Stroke Screening

Whole abdomen and carotid ultrasound — checking fatty liver, cholesterol plaques, thrombosis and vessel-wall thickness to evaluate stroke risk.

How to Prepare

Simple preparation

ExamPreparation
Whole Abdomen6-hour fasting required.
Renal · Female Pelvis · Male PelvisFull bladder — drink 500–700 ml of water 2–3 hours before.
Thyroid · Soft Tissue · CarotidNo special preparation needed.

Meet Your Imaging Specialist

Dr. Kate Kyungmi Moon, M.D.

Radiologist (Korea) · Certified Diagnostic & Cardiac Sonographer (USA)

“Ultrasound is the eye looking into our body.”

Dr. Moon was trained and practiced as a radiologist (M.D.) for more than 20 years in Korea, and is certified in the U.S. as both a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). She performs every examination herself, combining Korean radiology expertise with American sonography standards to deliver accurate imaging and clear results.

  • M.D., Ewha Women's University School of Medicine (South Korea)
  • Master's degree in Medicine, Catholic University School of Medicine (South Korea)
  • Korean Board-certified Physician / Radiologist
  • American Board-certified RDMS & RDCS (ARDMS)
  • Former radiologist, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital · GeumGang Asan Hospital · Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center

Advanced Equipment

Premium Philips ultrasound

Clear, accurate imaging with the latest Philips systems, including portable devices for convenient exams.

Philips

EPIQ 5

A premium ultrasound platform with TrueVue advanced 3D lifelike imaging and MaxVue high-definition display for exceptional anatomical detail.

Philips

CX50

An advanced compact system integrating premium technologies — clinically proven performance even in the most technically challenging studies.

Our imaging partner

Expertise you can trust

Our imaging is provided in partnership with Allive Ultrasound Imaging, whose exams are designed and performed by a Korean radiologist and U.S. board-certified sonographer with over 20 years of experience.

Contact us to schedule

Ultrasound exams are available at our San Diego office. Call or email us and we will find the best time for you.

Ultrasound examination room

Five Elements Care · 12335 World Trade Dr., Ste. 1A, San Diego, CA 92128 · 858-705-6024