Ultrasound performed by the rheumatologist during your consultation, helping reach an accurate diagnosis and often allowing assessment and treatment in a single visit
Point-of-care ultrasound, often shortened to POCUS, means ultrasound that is carried out by the specialist during the consultation itself, rather than being arranged as a separate appointment elsewhere. In rheumatology it has become a valuable tool, because it lets the doctor see inside and around the joints and soft tissues in real time, while you are there.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928).
Rheumatological ultrasound can reveal a great deal that an examination alone cannot, including:
Because the ultrasound is done there and then, it can sharpen the diagnosis during the same conversation in which your symptoms are discussed. That often means a clearer answer sooner, and fewer separate trips for scans arranged elsewhere.
It also makes treatment more precise. Where an injection is appropriate, doing it under ultrasound guidance helps place the medication exactly where it is needed. You can read more about this on the ultrasound-guided injection page.
Bringing assessment, ultrasound and, where appropriate, treatment together in a single appointment is what makes a one-stop clinic possible. For many people this means that recognising a problem and beginning to address it can happen in the same visit, rather than over several. You can read more on the ultrasound clinic page.
Ultrasound is one part of a thorough assessment, used where it adds value, alongside your history, examination and any other tests that are needed.
Point-of-care ultrasound during the consultation can clarify the diagnosis and, where appropriate, allow treatment within the same appointment
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