FAQ's before your Ultrasound

Yes — all exams are by appointment only. You can call us at 618-922-6272 or book online through our website. Same-week appointments are often available.

We are by appointment only. We have flexible hours available, including evenings and Saturday mornings.

We are located at 200 N Pearl Street, Salem, IL 62881. Free parking is available on-site.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A $35 cancellation fee applies to late cancellations and no-shows.

Absolutely. For elective OB sessions we encourage you to bring family and loved ones to share the experience. For diagnostic exams, we ask that you limit guests to one support person to keep the environment calm and focused.

Yes. A physician order is required for all diagnostic ultrasound exams — including abdominal, pelvic, vascular, obstetric, thyroid, and breast studies. Your provider can fax the order to 854-238-3132 or submit it electronically through our For Providers page.

No. Magnolia is a self-pay imaging center — we do not bill insurance directly. Many patients find our transparent pricing is comparable to or less than a typical insurance co-pay. We provide an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement.

Preliminary results are typically delivered to your ordering provider within 24 hours. STAT reads are available and are prioritized for same-day turnaround when requested on the referral order.

Preparation varies by exam type. Abdominal studies generally require fasting for 4–6 hours beforehand. Pelvic and obstetric exams may require a full bladder. Your provider or our staff will give you specific instructions when you schedule. If you are unclear as to what you may need to do, please reach out.

Yes. Our sonographers hold ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) credentials and our facility follows AIUM and ACR practice guidelines to ensure diagnostic-quality imaging. Our sonographers hold additional credentials in Vascular, Breast, Fetal Echo, and adult echo.

No. Elective OB sessions — including 3D/4D and gender determination — do not require a physician order. They are available to expectant parents who simply want to see and bond with their baby.

The ideal window for 3D/4D imaging is between 26 and 32 weeks. Baby has enough fat under the skin for detailed features, and there is still enough amniotic fluid for clear images. Earlier sessions (as early as 14 weeks) can capture movement and early features.

Gender determination is typically possible from around 15 weeks onward, though accuracy improves after 18 weeks. We will always do our best to get a clear view, but baby's position can sometimes make it tricky.

Yes! Gift certificates are available for all elective OB packages — they make a wonderful baby shower or gender reveal gift. Call us at 618-922-6272 to purchase one.

Depending on the package you choose, keepsakes may include printed photos and digital images sent via text. Additional keepsakes available for purchase include a heartbeat stuffed animal, heartbeat recording, and 3D photo-realistic enhanced images delivered within 24 hours. See our Services page for full package details.

Yes! In the days leading up to your appointment, drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated — this improves amniotic fluid clarity and image quality significantly. On the day of your session, eat a light snack about an hour before you arrive. Wearing a two-piece outfit makes it easy to access your belly without any fuss.

Session length varies by package. Most elective OB sessions run between 20 and 45 minutes from check-in to finish. We never rush — if baby is being shy we take our time to get the best views possible for you and your family.

Babies can be stubborn! If we are unable to get good views due to baby's position, we will do everything we can — having you walk around, change positions, or drink something cold — to encourage movement. In rare cases where we truly cannot get clear images, we will work with you on a solution.

Absolutely — twin sessions are a joy! Please let us know when you schedule so we can allow a little extra time. Imaging twins can take longer, and we want to make sure we capture both babies beautifully.

Digital images are sent directly to your phone via text message.. You will have them ready to share with family and friends right away. Enhanced 3D photo-realistic images, when included in your package, are delivered within 24 hours.

Yes. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule without a fee. Life happens — just give us a call at 618-922-6272 and we will find a new time that works for you. If less than 24 hours, you could be subject to a cancellation fee of $35.00.

No. Elective sessions are for bonding and keepsake purposes only — they are not a substitute for your prenatal care ultrasounds ordered by your OB or midwife. If you have any medical concerns about your pregnancy, please contact your healthcare provider. The ultrasound tech can not tell you if there is or isn't anything of concern when scanning your baby.  If the ultrasound tech has any concerns, Magnolia will reach out to the provider on file and discuss ultrasound concerns.  (this would not be a formal read from a radiologist)

We offer elective sessions starting as early as 6+ weeks. There is no strict upper limit, though imaging quality can vary in the final weeks as baby runs out of room. The sweet spot for stunning 3D/4D images is 26–32 weeks, when baby has developed facial features and there is still plenty of fluid for clear views.

Breast ultrasound is especially valuable for women with dense breast tissue, those who have had an inconclusive mammogram, or anyone with a personal or family history of breast cancer. It is also used to evaluate a specific lump or area of concern identified on physical exam.

A physician order is required for diagnostic breast ultrasound. If you are unsure whether your exam is diagnostic or screening, please check with your ordering provider or call our office.

No — breast ultrasound complements mammography but does not replace it. The two modalities detect different types of abnormalities, and your provider may recommend both as part of a complete breast health evaluation.