American College of Emergency Physicians: Use of ultrasound imaging by emergency physicians
American College of Emergency Physicians: Use of ultrasound imaging by emergency physicians
Ultrasound imaging enhances the physician’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat emergency patients. As these are often time-dependent studies in acutely ill or injured patients, the emergency physician is in an ideal position to use this technology. Focused ultrasound examinations provide immediate information and can answer specific questions about the patient’s physical condition. Such bedside ultrasound imaging is within the scope of practice of emergency physicians.
Therefore the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) endorses the following principles.
- Ultrasound examination, interpretation, and clinical correlation should be available in a timely manner 24 hours a day for emergency department patients.
- Emergency physicians providing emergency ultrasound services should possess appropriate training and hands-on experience to perform and interpret limited bedside ultrasound imaging.
- ACEP specifically supports the use of ultrasound imaging by emergency physicians for at least the following clinical indications: traumatic hemoperitoneum, abdominal aortic aneurysm, pericardial fluid, ectopic pregnancy, and evaluation of renal and biliary tract disease.
- ACEP encourages continued research in the area of ultrasound imaging and any other known or evolving bedside imaging techniques and modalities.
- Training in performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging studies should be included in emergency medicine residency curricula.
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