An evaluation of urologist-operated ultrasound and its use in the urological out-patient clinic.

The value of urologist-operated real time ultrasound scanning was assessed in the urological out-patient clinic. In terms of accuracy, the urologists' ultrasound scans of the genito-urinary tract proved comparable with those of the radiologists. The techniques were quickly learned and scanning added little to the consultation time. Scanning during clinic time was shown to be both time-saving and cost-effective by allowing more rapid assessment of the patient and a speedier diagnosis. In economic terms considerable savings could be made by reducing the need for formal ultrasound referrals, since patients scanned at the out-patient clinic would be spared two further trips to hospital, one for the formal examination and another for the out-patient clinic review. Clinic turnover thus becomes more efficient and inconvenience to the patient and transport costs are lessened.