Ultrasound Scans
An ultrasound scan provides a real-time image of internal organs and soft tissues. It does not use ionising radiation and helps to assess changes in the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, blood vessels, joints, soft tissues, and pelvic region.
An Ultrasound scans can help assess the following complaints and conditions:
- Abdominal organ complaints: The scan helps assess changes in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and other structures in the abdominal cavity.
- Thyroid changes: Ultrasound helps assess the size of the thyroid gland, any nodules, and other abnormalities.
- Joint and soft tissue problems: The scan can help assess changes in tendons, muscles, ligaments, and fluid collections.
- Suspected vascular disease: A Doppler ultrasound helps assess blood flow and changes in certain blood vessels.
- Gynaecological and pelvic complaints: The scan helps assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
- Urological complaints: Ultrasound can help assess the bladder, kidneys, and in some cases, the prostate area.
- Breast changes: Ultrasound helps assess nodular or cystic changes in the breast.
- Pregnancy-related scans: In obstetrics, ultrasound is used to assess fetal development and the progress of the pregnancy.
Common symptoms
Consult a doctor, who can refer you for an ultrasound scan examination if needed, if you experience any of the following symptoms:
-
Abdominal pain or discomfort
If abdominal pain or discomfort persists, recurs, or worsens over time. -
Abnormalities in blood tests
Changes in blood test parameters, such as abnormalities in liver or kidney function indicators, which may require further evaluation. -
Bleeding or discomfort in the pelvic area
Suspicion of gynecological or urological problems. -
Changes in the neck area
Swelling, nodules, or discomfort in the thyroid area. -
Muscle and joint pain
Muscle or joint discomfort, cramps, pain, or stiffness in the body, which can occur in various conditions. -
Suspected or monitoring of pregnancy
To confirm pregnancy and assess fetal development. -
Suspicion of tumors or cysts
If an unclear mass has been found or there is a suspicion of an oncological disease. -
Unexplained weight change
If body weight increases or decreases without a clear reason.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or another form of identification.
Preparation for an ultrasound examination depends on the area being examined:
- Abdominal ultrasound: Do not eat or drink for 4–6 hours before the examination. This allows the gallbladder to fill and reduces intestinal gas, improving image quality.
- Pelvic ultrasound (gynaecological or urological): Your bladder must be full before the examination. Drink approximately 1 litre of water 1–2 hours beforehand and do not urinate.
- Thyroid, joint or soft tissue ultrasound: No special preparation is required.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
- Questions: Think about any questions you may have about the examination and ask the staff before the procedure.
What to expect during your appointment
Document check
We will check your identification document.
Preparation
The staff will explain the procedure and, depending on the area being examined, may ask you to remove some clothing.
Positioning
You will be asked to lie on the examination table or get into another suitable position for the scan.
Gel application
A gel is applied to the area being examined to improve the contact between the transducer and the skin.
The scan
The radiologist moves the ultrasound transducer over the area and evaluates the image on the screen in real time.
Saving images
Images or measurements are saved if necessary.
Results
The radiologist will prepare a written report for the referring doctor. The results of the scan are usually ready within 1 working day. The person performing the scan will give you a more precise timeframe. The report can also be found in the national Patient Portal. The scan usually takes 15–30 minutes in total, but the time depends on the area being examined and the purpose of the scan.
Payment & Appointment Info
Prices
Tallinn
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound examination of the arteries of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the veins of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the arteries and veins of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 75 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the joints of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 61 € |
| Vaginal ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 22 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the abdominal region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the pelvic region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Rectal ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Measurement of residual urine volume using ultrasound With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 36 € |
| Soft-tissue ultrasound examination – one body region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Thyroid ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 49 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the abdominal and pelvic regions With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 74 € |
Everywhere else in Estonia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound examination of the arteries of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the veins of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the arteries and veins of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 75 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the joints of one region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 61 € |
| Vaginal ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 13 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the abdominal region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the pelvic region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Rectal ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 60 € |
| Measurement of residual urine volume using ultrasound With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 36 € |
| Foetal ultrasound examination in trimester I The specialist consultation fee and visit fee will be added to the price. | 25 € |
| Foetal ultrasound examination in trimesters II and III The specialist consultation fee and visit fee will be added to the price. | 35 € |
| Soft-tissue ultrasound examination – one body region With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 55 € |
| Thyroid ultrasound examination With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 49 € |
| Breast ultrasound examination – 1 breast Tartu With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 45 € |
| Ultrasound examination of the abdominal and pelvic regions With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by Tervisekassa at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu. | 74 € |
Payment methods
Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Preventive Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
With a doctor’s referral, Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Outpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
With a referral from your family doctor, you can have an ultrasound examination funded by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) at Meliva’s Rävala and Jalgpalli clinics in Tallinn and Kvartali clinic in Tartu.
Referral
A doctor’s referral is required to book this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan is an imaging study that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the body’s internal organs and tissues.
Is an ultrasound scan painful?
Generally, no. The scan is usually painless, although the pressure from the transducer may feel slightly uncomfortable in a sensitive area.
Is an ultrasound scan safe?
Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation and is considered a safe examination when medically indicated, including during pregnancy.
How long does an ultrasound scan take?
It usually takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on the type of scan.
Do I need a referral for an ultrasound scan?
Yes, because the scan is performed based on a medical indication.
Do I need to fast for an ultrasound scan?
Only for some scans. Preparation depends on the area being examined: for an abdominal and pelvic scan, you need to avoid eating and urinating for 2-3 hours beforehand.