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Ultrasound

Ultrasound Exam

Ultrasound Exam

An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike an X-ray or CT scan, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test.

The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department. Patients will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. Patients may be asked to change position so that other areas can be examined.

USES OF ULTRASOUND TESTS

Ultrasound imaging has many uses in medicine, from confirming and dating a pregnancy to diagnosing certain conditions and guiding doctors through precise medical procedures.

  • Pregnancy – Ultrasound images have many uses during pregnancy. Early on, they may be used to determine due dates, reveal the presence of twins or other multiples, and rule out ectopic pregnancies. They also are valuable screening tools in helping to detect potential problems, including birth defects, placental issues, breech positioning, and others. Many expectant parents look forward to learning the sex of their babies via ultrasound midway through a pregnancy. And later in pregnancy, doctors can even use ultrasounds to estimate how large a baby is just before delivery.
  • Diagnostics – Doctors employ ultrasound imaging in diagnosing a wide variety of conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues of the body, including the heart and blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, eyes, thyroid, and testicles. Ultrasounds do have some diagnostic limitations, however; sound waves do not transmit well through dense bone or parts of the body that may hold air or gas, such as the bowel.
  • Use during medical procedures – Ultrasound imaging can help doctors during procedures such as needle biopsies, which require the doctor to remove tissue from a very precise area inside the body for testing in a lab
  • Therapeutic applications – Ultrasounds sometimes are used to detect and treat soft-tissue injuries

BENEFITS OF ULTRASOUNDS

Ultrasounds offer many advantages:

  • Patients aren’t exposed to ionizing radiation
  • Safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans
  • Ultrasounds are widely accessible and less expensive than other methods
  • Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-rays
  • No known harmful effects when used as directed by your healthcare provider
  • They are generally painless and do not require needles, injections, or incisions
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Gerardo C. Perez, D.O​

Doctor

Born in Cuba, Dr. Perez immigrated to the United States as a young boy, settling in New Jersey with his family. He attended Long Island University and earned a Bachelor of Science, while majoring in both Biology and Chemistry. In 1984, Dr. Perez graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his family practice residency at Southeastern Medical Center in Miami and received his board certification in Family Medicine. Shortly after starting his private practice in 1987, Dr. Perez qualified and passed his Geriatric Board exam, an area of medicine that had always interested him and one that he felt was under-represented in the community. His interest in treating the older patient population stems from the extensive size of his family and the many experiences he had as a young man with his older relatives. 

For the past 30 years, Dr. Perez has proudly served the Hialeah-Miami Lakes community with the best quality and personal care available. His approach remains the same, “Keep it simple, and don’t over medicate.” He is a strong believer in preventative care and feels that nutrition and exercise are the best forms of medication. He tries to set an example for his patients in the way he cares for his own health.

Dr. Perez has been married to his wife Madeline for 27 years and has three sons, whom he credits for keeping him young and on his toes. Dr. Perez has coached travel baseball for many years, loves to landscape and is a culinarian. His latest interest, and one that he says stimulates him both physically and mentally, is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Mayra Chanza

Administrator

Mayra has spent the last 12 years working alongside Dr. Perez and his team. As the office Administrator she oversees all day-to-day operations of the practice. From handling the coding and even being able to draw blood, Mayra ensures that proper patient care is met daily by all her staff.

When Mayra is not in the office, she loves being with her three children. They enjoy watching movies and TV shows together, as well as spending time at the beach. Her oldest daughter works as a Vet tech where they get to spend time with rescued animals at the clinic. Her youngest daughter is attending college and is studying to be a nurse. Her son is pursuing his passion of MMA fighting.

Yolanda Martinez

Patient Care Coordinator

Yolanda has spent the last seven years working with Dr. Perez and his team, but has over 11 years of experience in healthcare and the medical office setting. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Yolanda is the first person the patients see when they arrive to the office. In addition to dealing with patients in person and being the one to call all patients via phone, she serves as the liaison between her office and the hospitals and specialists. She is responsible for processing their insurance information, obtaining medical records when needed and making sure their medications are requested and filled.

Yolanda has been happily married for 35 years to the love of her life, Armando, and has two sons. She has a passion for cooking and gardening and loves to spend time with her family and their dog, Bella.

Jenniffer Farinas

Medical Assistant

Jenniffer is new to the team, but brings over 20 years medical experience to Dr. Perez and his office. As the Medical Assistant, she assists Dr. Perez with their patient’s vitals, handles all EKG’s and X-rays, but more importantly, she has mastered the art of phlebotomy, aka drawing blood, and is able to administer other doctor approved injections. Jenniffer is also responsible for contacting her patients with their lab and radiology appointments, as well as entering and maintaining up-to-date data on all patient demographics in the office’s medical records system. She also maintains all the office supplies and equipment that is needed to for patient care.

Jenniffer has been married for over 14 years. She has three children and one grandbaby. When she is not in the office, Jenniffer says running is her favorite daily cardio. She absolutely loves the ocean and enjoys boating and traveling to different islands.