Geddes Keepsake, Incorporated, is committed to the responsible development of the keepsake imaging industry within an appropriate medical model. As such we believe, from our research, that keepsake ultrasound should only be performed by practices or organizations that comply with the following standards. All licensed providers of Geddes Keepsake Packages are encouraged to comply with these standards.
A licensed physician or licensed organization in the state where the ultrasound system is located is the owner of the ultrasound system.
A licensed medical practitioner is involved as an owner of the business in the state where the business operates.
The ultrasound system is used in a medical practice or organization that adheres to appropriate medical standards for the provision of diagnostic ultrasound services such as those of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) or the American College of Radiology (ACR). Keepsake ultrasound services are in addition to obstetrical diagnostic ultrasound services and, thus, are not the sole service provided by the practice or organization.
All diagnostic ultrasound examinations and keepsake ultrasounds are performed by RDMS-certified or RDMS-eligible sonographers, sonologists, or licensed medical practitioners.
A keepsake ultrasound always follows an appropriate prenatal diagnostic ultrasound and, thus, is never the "first" ultrasound provided in a pregnancy unless expressly requested by the patient's physician.
Diagnostic ultrasound examination records and keepsake ultrasound records are distinct and, thus, are independently documented in the organization or practice and are independently recorded in the business office.
A keepsake ultrasound, in general, is not provided in conjunction with a diagnostic ultrasound unless a physician has reviewed the study and has determined that a keepsake ultrasound can follow the diagnostic ultrasound. A keepsake ultrasound is best provided at least three days after a diagnostic ultrasound exam. Thus allowing sufficient time for interpretation and reporting of the study to the referring physician and, if required, for the referring physician to respond to any concerns raised by the study.
Note: This requirement will limit the performance of Geddes First Views to practices or organizations that have a physician on site that can provide immediate interpretation of the diagnostic ultrasound and give clearance to proceed with this form of keepsake ultrasound.
Provision of a keepsake ultrasound follows the ALARA principle of ultrasound exposure: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
A keepsake ultrasound is never more than 30 minutes in total duration.
The patient must sign a waiver written in their spoken language. The waiver must clearly state that
The keepsake ultrasound is being performed at the patient's request and not for diagnostic purposes.
The results of the keepsake ultrasound will not be reviewed by a physician.
That the patient is the only one who will be given a copy of the results. Thus, if a VHS tape is produced, the patient receives the original and no copies are kept on file at the office.
The ultrasound system is used in compliance with all FDA regulations.
A keepsake ultrasound will not be provided unless the patient's physician has given a verbal request, prescription or acknowledgement for the service to be provided. If the patient's physician verbally declines the patient's request for a keepsake ultrasound, the keepsake ultrasound will not be provided.
