Contact number: 020 7806 4030
What is a private ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body through a handheld probe pressed gently against the skin. The waves bounce back from internal structures and are converted into real-time images on a screen. The procedure is completely painless and takes between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the area being examined. No radiation is involved, making it safe for patients of all ages including pregnant women.
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, most ultrasound scans are performed and reported by a consultant radiologist. Vascular ultrasound examinations, which assess blood flow in the arteries and veins, are carried out by specialist vascular scientists. A detailed report is sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours of your scan. Our imaging department is based at our hospital in St John’s Wood (NW8), serving patients from across London.
Who should have a private ultrasound scan?
A private ultrasound scan may be recommended if you:
- Have unexplained abdominal, pelvic or musculoskeletal pain that requires investigation
- Have been advised by a GP or specialist to have an ultrasound but face a long NHS wait
- Have noticed a lump or swelling in soft tissue, the thyroid, breast or abdomen
- Require vascular assessment of blood flow in the arteries or veins
- Are monitoring a known condition such as a fibroid, cyst or organ abnormality
- Need pre-operative imaging or guidance for a planned injection or procedure
Most ultrasound scans require a referral from a GP or specialist. If you do not have a referral, our on-site private GP clinic can often arrange one at short notice.
Types of Private Ultrasounds
We offer a range of ultrasound scans, to help diagnose conditions for all medical specialities including but not limited to:
- Kidney & bladder ultrasounds
- Soft tissue lumps ultrasounds
- Thyroid & neck ultrasounds
- Fibroid ultrasounds
- Pelvic ultrasounds
- Abdomen & groin ultrasounds
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Bowel ultrasound
What is the cost of an ultrasound scan?
From £435*
The price shown includes all hospital-related costs for your ultrasound It does not include consultation fees or any additional diagnostics that may be required.
*This price depends on the body part and number if images needed.
How to pay for your test
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about ultrasound
Once your ultrasound appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive a letter with the date, time, and location. Preparation depends on the area being scanned. You may be asked to fast or drink water to fill your bladder beforehand. If you’re taking medication, continue as normal. Wear loose clothing so the area being scanned can be easily uncovered. Our team will give you all necessary instructions ahead of your appointment.
- All patients are required to check-in and register at the imaging reception before any appointment. Please ensure you arrive early for your appointment to complete registration.
- Self-Funding Patients: The imaging administrative team can provide quotes for all examinations in the imaging department, if you would like to know the cost of your examination before your appointment, please contact us.
- Insured Patients: If you are insured please bring your insurance membership number and authorisation number with you to your imaging appointment. If you do not provide these details at the time of registration you may be asked to self-fund for the exam.
- A copy of your report will be sent to your referring doctor within 48 hours of your appointment. If you are seeing your doctor within 48 hours please let one of the imaging team know so we can expedite this.
- We are unable to release imaging reports to you, as the patient until your doctor has had the opportunity to discuss the results with you. You doctor should be able to provide you with a copy of the report, please contact us following your consultation if they are unable to do so
When you arrive, you’ll be guided to the scan room. You’ll be asked to remove clothing from the area being examined and lie on the examination couch. A clear gel will be applied, and the radiologist will move a handheld device (transducer) over the skin to capture images. The room lights may be dimmed to help the radiologist see the screen clearly. Once the scan is complete, you’ll be given tissues to wipe off the gel and can get dressed straight away.
The length of the scan depends on the part of the body being examined and the detail your referrer has requested. Most scans take between 10 and 30 minutes.
Ultrasound itself is painless, but you may feel slight pressure when the radiologist presses the probe to get clearer images. If you feel any discomfort, let the radiologist know straight away.
You can leave the department immediately after your scan and return to your normal activities, including eating and drinking. Your images will be reviewed by a radiologist, and a report will be sent to your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results with you and advise on any next steps.
A private ultrasound scan at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £435*. The final cost will depend on the body part being examined and the number of images required.
*Please note that this guide price covers hospital charges and excludes consultant and diagnostic fees. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking as prior authorisation may be required.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.