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Cardiolucent

Procedure

POCUS handheld ultrasound

Diagnostics & Exams

POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) is a high-resolution, handheld ultrasound device that Dr. Kedan uses at the bedside or exam table to image your heart in real time. The probe connects to a tablet, and within seconds we can see the heart beating, measure its pumping function, check for fluid, and evaluate valve motion — bringing imaging-grade information directly into the consultation rather than scheduling a separate appointment days or weeks later. POCUS is included with every Cardiolucent visit at no additional charge. Dr. Kedan is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac POCUS and has helped lead the conversation around its use in cardiology.

What's Included

  • Included with every patient visit at no additional charge
  • Rapid assessment of left and right ventricular function
  • Fluid status and pericardial-effusion evaluation
  • Gross valve-motion and leakage screening
  • Pulmonary-pressure and volume-overload check
  • Same-second results — you see the images as they're captured
  • Portable for hospital and home use when appropriate

How It's Performed

POCUS is performed in our Beverly Hills office (and when clinically appropriate, in the hospital at Cedars-Sinai or in the home). Dr. Kedan applies a small amount of ultrasound gel directly on the chest and moves the handheld probe through a few standard windows, narrating what he sees on the tablet screen as he scans. A focused POCUS exam typically takes 5 to 10 minutes and is folded into the consultation rather than booked as a separate procedure.

How to Prepare

  • No preparation required — no fasting, no medication holds.
  • Wear something that's easy to open or remove at the top.
  • Avoid lotions or oils on the chest the morning of the visit.
  • Bring any prior cardiac imaging reports for context.
  • Mention recent symptoms so Dr. Kedan can target the scan accordingly.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — POCUS is folded directly into your visit and you continue immediately with the rest of the consultation. Dr. Kedan walks you through what he's looking at as he scans, so by the end of the visit you have a clear picture of your heart's current status and how it informs any treatment or testing decisions. If POCUS identifies a finding that needs deeper characterization, a full echocardiogram with strain imaging can often be arranged the same day.

Indications

  • Routine inclusion at every Cardiolucent visit
  • New or worsening shortness of breath
  • Suspected fluid overload or dehydration
  • Tracking volume status in heart-failure patients between formal studies
  • Acute chest discomfort needing rapid triage
  • Pre- and post-procedure assessment
  • In-home or bedside evaluation when travel to a full echo lab is impractical

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is POCUS and how does it work?
POCUS stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound — a high-resolution, handheld ultrasound device that Dr. Kedan uses at the bedside or exam table to image your heart in real time. The probe connects to a tablet, and within seconds we can see the heart beating, measure its pumping function, check for fluid, and evaluate valve motion. Think of it as bringing the imaging directly to the consultation rather than scheduling a separate appointment days or weeks later.
Why is POCUS included in every Cardiolucent visit?
It transforms the office visit. Instead of relying solely on the stethoscope and what you describe, Dr. Kedan can actually see what your heart is doing while you're sitting in front of him. New symptoms, medication changes, and follow-up questions can be answered on the spot. It's one of the most concrete expressions of the concierge model — imaging-grade information without scheduling friction.
Is POCUS as accurate as a full echocardiogram?
POCUS and a comprehensive echocardiogram serve different roles. POCUS is designed for rapid, targeted answers — pumping function, fluid status, gross valve abnormalities, pericardial effusion. A full echocardiogram is a longer, exhaustive study that documents every chamber and valve in detail. When POCUS identifies a finding that needs deeper characterization, Dr. Kedan will arrange a complete echo, often the same day in our office.
Do I need to prepare for the POCUS scan?
No preparation at all. You don't need to fast, hold medications, or change clothes for the scan itself. A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied directly on the chest, and Dr. Kedan moves the handheld probe through a few standard windows. The scan is folded into the consultation rather than booked as a separate procedure.
Is the scan uncomfortable?
Not at all. There are no needles, no radiation, and no contrast. You'll feel the cool gel and gentle pressure from the probe — nothing more. Patients are often surprised at how quickly meaningful images appear on the screen.
How long does POCUS take?
A focused POCUS exam typically takes 5 to 10 minutes during your visit. Because Dr. Kedan is both the imager and the interpreter, the findings flow immediately into the conversation we're already having about your symptoms or care plan.
What can POCUS detect?
Reduced pumping function, fluid around the heart, significant valve leakage or narrowing, an enlarged right heart suggesting elevated pulmonary pressures, fluid overload in the lungs or abdomen, and volume status in patients on diuretics. It's especially valuable for tracking heart-failure patients between formal studies and for answering urgent questions like "is this new shortness of breath cardiac or not?"
Can POCUS be done outside the office?
Yes. Because the device is truly portable, Dr. Kedan can perform POCUS during a hospital visit at Cedars-Sinai or, when clinically appropriate, in the home setting. This portability is one of the reasons Dr. Kedan has helped lead the national conversation around POCUS in cardiology. To learn more, call (310) 304-5555.
Is POCUS billed separately or covered by insurance?
POCUS is included with every patient visit at Cardiolucent at no additional charge — there is no separate fee. More broadly, Cardiolucent does not accept Medicare or insurance and bills patients directly for office visits and other services; we provide a detailed superbill for any out-of-network reimbursement you choose to pursue.
When will Dr. Kedan share what he sees on POCUS?
Immediately. The screen is right there during the exam, and Dr. Kedan walks you through what he's looking at as he scans — the chambers, valves, and pumping motion. By the end of the visit you'll have a clear picture of your heart's current status and how it informs any treatment or testing decisions.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.