Mobile ultrasound devices are revolutionizing primary care. What was once reserved for radiology now fits in the pocket of a lab coat. We show how POCUS is changing the diagnostic routine in general practices, group practices, and rural clinics – and what you should consider when purchasing.
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The Most Important Points at a Glance • POCUS enables quick yes/no decisions directly at the patient's bedside • Handheld devices available from around €2,500 – consider ongoing costs • DEGUM develops new POCUS curriculum specifically for general practitioners • ÖGUM offers certified training with a 3-tier system • AI-assisted image analysis makes it easier to get started |
What is POCUS – and why is it relevant for general medicine?
POCUS stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound – ultrasound diagnostics directly at the site of treatment. Unlike classical sonography, which is performed by radiologists or specialists, POCUS is aimed at the treating physician themselves: the general practitioner, the emergency physician, the internist – all can clarify diagnostic questions with a mobile device within minutes.
The principle: POCUS answers focused yes/no questions. Is there free fluid in the abdomen? Is there a pleural effusion? Is there urinary obstruction? These dichotomous decisions can be made directly during the examination – without referral, without waiting time.
"For me, POCUS is indispensable in everyday practice. It allows for quick decisions and makes diagnostics directly understandable for patients" – this is how Dr. Benjamin Bode, deputy head of the DEGUM working group on primary care, describes the benefits in everyday practice.
Typical Applications in General Practice
The applications of POCUS in primary care are diverse. Particularly relevant for everyday general practice are:
Abdomen and Urogenital Tract
• Gallstones and cholecystitis – quick clarification in case of right upper abdominal pain
• Urinary obstruction and kidney stones – immediate diagnosis in case of flank pain
• Urinary retention – residual urine determination without catheter
• Appendicitis and diverticulitis – initial assessment before referral
• Ascites – detection of free fluid in the abdominal cavity
Thorax and Lung
• Pleural effusion – immediate diagnosis in case of dyspnea
• Pneumonia – lung consolidation can be directly detected
• Pneumothorax – lung sliding as an exclusion criterion
• Heart failure – B-lines as a sign of pulmonary congestion
Vessels
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – 2-point compression test
• Aortic aneurysm – screening in at-risk patients
Thyroid and Soft Tissues
• Thyroid nodules – size determination and follow-up
• Lymph nodes – assessment of enlarged cervical lymph nodes
• Abscess vs. swelling – differentiation in soft tissue infections
Handheld Ultrasound Devices 2025: Market Overview and Costs
The market for portable ultrasound devices has developed rapidly in recent years. The devices now fit in a lab coat pocket and connect wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. Here is an overview of the most important options:
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Device |
Price (approx.) |
Subscription Costs/Year |
Features |
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Butterfly iQ+/iQ3 |
from €2,700 |
approx. €420 |
One probe for everything, AI-assisted |
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Clarius HD3 Series |
from €3,600 |
approx. €595 |
Specialized probes, wireless |
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GE Vscan Air CL/SL |
from €4,500 |
variable |
Dual probe, robust design |
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Philips Lumify |
from €5,000 |
Subscription model |
High MSK image quality |
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⚠ Important: Be aware of hidden costs! Many manufacturers work with subscription models. Features such as cloud storage, DICOM export, Doppler modes, or AI support are often only available for an additional fee. When budgeting, calculate the total costs over 5 years – these can add up to 30–50% of the purchase price. |
Training and Certification in Austria
In Austria, the ÖGUM (Austrian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine) regulates the quality standards for ultrasound training. The established 3-tier system ensures structured further education:
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Level |
Qualification |
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ÖGUM Level 1 |
Basic competence for daily routine – independent performance of common examinations, safe referral in complex cases |
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ÖGUM Level 2 |
Specialists for complicated diseases – additional training authorization for colleagues |
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ÖGUM Level 3 |
Course leaders and experts – responsibility for training, research, and method development |
The ÖGUM Working Group on General Medicine has developed its own POCUS curriculum for general medicine, specifically tailored to the needs of rural and general practitioners. The training can be done alongside work and is based on the 3-country concept for emergency sonography (DEGUM/OEGUM/SGUM).
Tip: ÖGUM regularly offers courses at various locations in Austria. DFP points are awarded. Information at: oegum.at/kurskalender
Advantages and Limitations of POCUS
What POCUS Can Do
• Faster diagnosis – often within minutes instead of days
• Fewer referrals – CT, MRI, and specialist appointments are reduced
• Cost savings – less follow-up diagnostics means lower healthcare costs
• Patient engagement – visualization creates trust and understanding
• Flexibility – usable in practice, during home visits, or in emergencies
What POCUS Cannot Do
• No complete organ diagnostics – POCUS does not replace specialized sonography
• Examiner-dependent – quality heavily depends on training and experience
• Limits in complex cases – unclear findings require further diagnostics
The Future: AI and Automated Reporting
DEGUM predicts that POCUS will become a standard component of general practice diagnostics in 5 to 10 years. Several factors are accelerating this development:
• AI-assisted image analysis: Algorithms automatically recognize typical findings such as gallstones or pleural effusions
• Real-time action recommendations: The device provides hints for optimization during the examination
• Digital learning platforms: E-learning and simulators lower the entry barrier
• Telemedicine integration: Live transmission to specialists for remote reporting
Checklist: Is POCUS Right for Your Practice?
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Check before purchasing: ☐ What questions frequently arise in my patient population? ☐ Do I have time and budget for structured training (ÖGUM courses)? ☐ What types of probes do I need (convex, linear, cardiac)? ☐ Can I afford the ongoing costs (subscription, cloud, updates) in the long term? ☐ Is my practice management system DICOM-compatible? ☐ Are there local contacts for service and support? |
Conclusion: The Right Time to Get Started
POCUS is not a substitute for specialized sonography – but a valuable addition to clinical examination. The technology is mature, the devices are affordable, and the training options are well-structured. Those who want to gain diagnostic certainty in general practice, rural practice, or group practice will find POCUS a practical tool.
The most important success factor remains training: A good device without solid training is of little use. Take advantage of the ÖGUM-certified courses, start with a few applications, and gradually build your competence.
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Ultrasound Devices & Diagnostic Systems at MeinArztbedarf Are you interested in portable ultrasound devices or want to equip your practice with modern diagnostic technology? We are happy to advise you on suitable systems for your area of application. → Discover the range now at meinarztbedarf.at/diagnostik |
Sources and Further Links
• DEGUM – German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine: degum.de
• ÖGUM – Austrian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine: oegum.at
• SGUM – Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine: sgum.ch
• Austrian Ultrasound College: ultraschallakademie.at
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About MeinArztbedarf MeinArztbedarf is your Austrian specialist retailer for medical products, diagnostics, and practice supplies. Our company is led by Dr. Daniel Pehböck, a physician with clinical experience in emergency and intensive care medicine. This medical expertise shapes our product range, quality standards, and consulting. |
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