Central Florida prenatal doctors are calling for a stop to so-called "keepsake" ultrasound souvenir photos of unborn babies that are sometimes performed by unqualified workers, according to a Problem Solvers report.
Local 6 News reported that the debate over "keepsake" ultrasounds is playing out in several states. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has already stopped them, according to the report.
Insurance does not pay for the photos and most doctors will not prescribe them. However, the "keepsake" ultrasound franchise has become a hit, according to the report.
The United Imaging Partners company lists seven franchise sites in Florida, including Orlando.
Fetal Specialist Dr. Rachel Humphrey said she is concerned about the ultrasounds. Humphrey said three patients have received inaccurate information from "keepsake" ultrasounds.
"They really think that everything is OK and they are not necessarily having them reviewed by anyone with any kind of training and that's really the danger," Humphrey said.
"Is there a deception here?" Holfeld asked ultrasound registered OB-GYN Dwan Wright.
"A huge deception, huge," Wright said. "And my fear is that these places are going to be popping up on every corner."
Wright works for a company that was one of the first to offer 3-D baby photos in Central Florida, according to the report.
Wright said many companies in Florida have high priced medical equipment with inexperienced employees at the controls.
"That's happening right now?" Holfeld asked.
"That's happening," Wright said.
"How is that possible?" Holfeld asked.
"No one has done a thorough investigation," Wright said.
Local 6 News reported that Florida has no laws or regulations for "keepsake" ultrasounds.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against non-medical sessions, calling them "ultrasounds for entertainment."
The administration was most concerned about long-term exposure to "jarring vibrations and rise in temperature," Holfeld said.
Dr. Lennard Greenbaum, who is a specialist in fetal diagnostics with Arnold Palmer Hospital, said he thinks state legislation should be in place to ban "keepsake" ultrasounds.
"We do not know if there are any biological effects but if there is not medical information to be gained, why take the risk?" Greenbaum said.
Most Florida companies require proof that the expectant mother is under the care of a doctor before performing an ultrasound.
After seeing the Local 6 News story, Rep. Ric Keller is reviewing potential risks with the FDA and national legislation is possible, Holfeld said.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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