Private Shoulder Ultrasound Scan from £199
A shoulder ultrasound assesses accessible tendons and soft tissues around the shoulder, including the rotator cuff and bursa. It can show structures in motion as the arm is moved.
What can a shoulder ultrasound scan assess?
Ultrasound can assess many rotator cuff tendons and surrounding soft tissues. It is less suitable for some deep joint structures and does not show bone marrow as MRI does.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Shoulder pain and restricted movement
- Suspected rotator cuff tendon injury
- Bursitis or tendon inflammation
- Assessment of selected superficial lumps or fluid collections
How to prepare
Usually no special preparation is needed. Wear clothing that allows access to the shoulder and tell the team about injury, surgery or previous imaging.
Safety and limitations
Ultrasound uses no ionising radiation. Its usefulness depends on the structure being assessed and the clinical question.
Ultrasound uses sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
How does it compare with other scans?
X-ray may be used to assess bones and arthritis; MRI may be preferred for deeper soft tissues, labrum or more complex joint questions.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Shoulder ultrasound scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private shoulder ultrasound scan cost?
A private shoulder ultrasound scan starts from £199. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Can ultrasound diagnose a rotator cuff tear?
Can ultrasound diagnose a rotator cuff tear? It can identify many tendon tears, but the result depends on the area examined and may need correlation with clinical findings or other imaging.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.