--- title: "Advancements in Ultrasound: What Does the Future Hold?" description: Technological advancements in the field of imaging have made ultrasound ownership a cost-effective solution to providing quality patient care in a p --- [![Umi Ultrasound](https://info.umiultrasound.com/hubfs/images/part-1.png)](http://www.umiultrasound.com/) [![Umi Ultrasound](https://info.umiultrasound.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/part-2.png?width=173&name=part-2.png)](http://www.umiultrasound.com/) - [Home](http://www.umiultrasound.com/) - [Systems](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine) - [Acuson Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/acuson) - [Esaote Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/esaote) - [GE Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/ge) - [Philips Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/philips/cx50) - [Siemens Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/siemens) - [SonoSite Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/sonosite) - [Terason Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/terason) - [Toshiba Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/toshiba) - [Compare Systems](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/ultrasound-comparison) - [Portable Ultrasound Machines](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/portable) - [Used Ultrasound Machines](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/used) - [Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers) - [Acuson Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/acuson-transducers) - [Esaote Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/esaote-transducers) - [GE Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/ge) - [Philips Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/philips) - [Siemens Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/siemens) - [SonoSite Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/sonosite) - [Terason Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/terason) - [Toshiba Transducers](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-transducers/toshiba) - [Clinical Specialty](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/ultrasound-breast-imaging) - [Breast Imaging](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/ultrasound-breast-imaging) - [Cardiology Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/cardiology-ultrasound) - [Dialysis Access](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/dialysis-access-ultrasound) - [Endocrinology Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/endocrinology) - [Family Practice](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/family-practice-ultrasound) - [Musculoskeletal](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/musculoskeletal-ultrasound-imaging) - [Nephrology](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/nephrology) - [OB/GYN](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/ob-gyn-ultrasound) - [Orthopedic](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/orthopedic-sports-medicine-ultrasound) - [Pain Management](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/pain-management-ultrasound) - [Phlebology](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/phlebology-vein-ultrasound) - [Podiatry](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/podiatry) - [Small Parts Imaging](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/small-parts-ultrasound) - [Urology](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/urology) - [Vascular Ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/vascular-ultrasound) - [Vascular Access](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/vascular-access) - [Women's Health](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-specialties/womens-health) - [MRI](http://www.umiultrasound.com/dedicated-mri) - [Ultrasound Blog](https://info.umiultrasound.com/blog) - [Service](http://www.umiultrasoundservice.com/) - [About Us](http://www.umiultrasound.com/company) - [News/Events](http://www.umiultrasound.com/about-umi/conferences) - [UMI Store](http://www.umistore.com/) # United Medical Instruments - Diagnostic Ultrasound Blog! # Advancements in Ultrasound: What Does the Future Hold? Posted by [Leslie Patton](https://info.umiultrasound.com/blog/author/leslie-patton) on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 10:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Technological advancements in the field of imaging have made ultrasound ownership a cost-effective solution to providing quality [patient care in a private practice](https://info.umiultrasound.com/blog/bid/166490/4-Tips-to-Adding-Ultrasound-in-Your-Private-Practice). However, with new technology comes required training and expertise so as more unlicensed health care professionals perform ultrasound exams; the government is stepping in to protect the general public and requiring imaging professionals to be licensed. Here is a look at the advancements in the industry, governmental regulations, and trends for the future. There was a time when each vendor had its own advanced technology and they stood apart from the competition, but the natural competitive nature has caused an evolution for the Big Three to develop advanced software features such as one-button image optimization, panoramic imaging, 3D/4D technology, Elastography, and contrast imaging. [Elastography](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110112132419.htm) is the latest imaging technique which began with breast imaging in evaluating and detecting tissue stiffness to determine the likelihood of benign or malignant cancers. This application is expected to aid in similar diagnoses with the liver and kidney. Several OEMs have pioneered the development of this potentially life-saving technology and [studies](http://www.slideshare.net/hungnguyenthien/shear-wave-elastography-of-breast-tumors-7135704) have been published with successful findings when using Elastography. It seems that availability of portable ultrasound goes hand-in-hand with the governmental acts being proposed. On one hand, [Point-of-Care ultrasound](http://www.umiultrasound.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416:aium-declares-ultrasound-professionals-must-be-experienced&catid=185:vein-care&Itemid=985) is a valuable tool to collect patient information and make a diagnosis in a timely fashion. On the other hand, it means some providers who are not formally trained in ultrasound are scanning patients and possibly putting them at risk or missing pathology which could be costly by requiring follow up imaging tests. A [federal bill](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-2104&tab=summary) in court outlines the following: *Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2014:* Currently, Oregon and New Mexico have state laws requiring licensure, other states are waiting to see if the Federal bill passes before moving forward with mandates. For specific sonographer requirements the [Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers](http://www.sdms.org/) is a reliable resource. The trend really is toward advancements in the portable market, these laptop sized systems are often comparable to their big cart-based brothers, but in an economic and convenient package for private practice physicians. At [United Medical Instruments, Inc](http://www.umiultrasound.com/index.php). a selection of quality [refurbished equipment](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/used-ultrasound) with the latest advancements is available as well as compact [SonoSite](http://www.umiultrasound.com/ultrasound-machine/sonosite) ultrasound systems. [Contact us](http://www.umiultrasound.com/contact-us) today so that we can help you determine which system is right for your office! Topics: [UMI Blog](https://info.umiultrasound.com/blog/topic/umi-blog) ### Looking for an Ultrasound Machine, Ultrasound Transducer, Ultrasound Repair or Ultrasound Training? [![Click Here!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/200822/0a660422-badd-4d06-ba14-ce577780af92.png)](http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/200822/0a660422-badd-4d06-ba14-ce577780af92)   ### Contact Us ### Latest Posts ### Subscribe by Email ### Connect with us! ### Guide to Buying Quality Refurbished Ultrasound ### **Considering refurbished or used ultrasound equipment?  Learn the difference and get educated before you purchase!** [![Get Your Guide!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/200822/8e562482-3eef-45dc-9c48-120cc6c7a9b2.png)](http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/200822/8e562482-3eef-45dc-9c48-120cc6c7a9b2) ### Subscribe by Email - [Contact Us](mailto:sales@umiultrasound.com) - [Site Map](http://www.umiultrasound.com/site-map) - [Privacy Policy](http://www.umiultrasound.com/about-umi/privacy-policy) - [UMI Store](http://www.umistore.com/) **Contact** (877) 490-7036 *toll free* (408) 278-9300*local* (408) 278-9797 *fax* [sales@umiultrasound.com](mailto:sales@umiultrasound.com) **Location** 832 Jury Court San Jose, CA 95112 **Site Information** The information provided on this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, is for informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific medical advice or substitute for medical advice from a physician or other qualified medical professional. Nothing contained on this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, shall create, or shall be deemed to create, a doctor-patient relationship, nor shall there be any responsibility for or assumption of any liability arising from the use of this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, or its contents. © 2015 United Medical Instruments, Inc.All Rights Reserved.