A 24-year-old man presents to urgent care with first-time renal colic. He is stable, tolerating oral intake, and has no signs of infection. Does he need a CT scan or emergency department referral?

In this Southern Medical Association case article, we explore how renal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) identified mild hydronephrosis at the bedside, allowing safe outpatient management without CT imaging or ED transfer. The article reviews key renal ultrasound findings, common pitfalls, evidence supporting a POCUS-first approach, and the broader impact on radiation exposure, healthcare utilization, and cost.

Learn how POCUS can help clinicians rapidly risk stratify patients with suspected renal colic while improving patient-centered care.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can dramatically shift diagnosis and management in primary care—especially for patients with urinary symptoms and flank pain. In this podcast, we walk through a case where POCUS revealed moderate hydronephrosis and changed the plan from outpatient antibiotics to urgent ED referral for an obstructing infected stone. If you’re a primary or urgent care provider, incorporating POCUS into your workflow can help you catch high-risk cases sooner, avoid delays, and elevate the quality of care.

Quickly distinguish uncomplicated pyelonephritis from an infected obstructing stone in primary care using bedside POCUS. Learn how renal ultrasound speeds diagnosis, cuts radiation and costs, and improves patient outcomes.