Heather O’Connor, a registered vascular technologist and business owner, demonstrates what to expect when getting services at Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics. Photos By: Richard Schut
Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics held its ribbon-cutting celebration in Deer Park. A new medical office, which offers expert cardiovascular ultrasound services, was welcomed to the area by Mayor Verzal, members of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce, and other community members.
Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics is an independent diagnostic testing clinic specializing in noninvasive ultrasound examinations. These examinations provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health and offer essential diagnostic support to patients and healthcare providers. The clinic focuses on cardiovascular health, ensuring patients receive high-quality care in a comfortable, patient-focused environment.
The office offers a full range of vascular ultrasound exams, including carotid artery screenings, abdominal aortic imaging, renal artery studies, and tests for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and arterial disease. While the clinic does not currently offer Echocardiography, they hope to provide it in the future.
Ribbon-cutting celebration for Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics at the Deer Park Family Care Clinic.
The Face Of Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics In Deer Park
Registered Vascular Technologist Heather O’Connor has 14 years of experience, the majority of which is spent in Spokane. O’Connor always knew a career in the medical field was the right path but initially planned to become a nurse before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. Initially drawn to performing baby ultrasounds, an unexpected shift into vascular imaging sparked a passion for the field. The challenging variety of exams and constant opportunities to learn and problem-solve made it a perfect fit.
Choosing Deer Park as the clinic’s location was a strategic decision based on the need for medical services in more rural areas. “The main complaint from patients is they don’t want to travel to Spokane and or they aren’t able to travel to Spokane,” O’Connor explained that accessibility, whether due to physical ability or transportation options, was a key concern for several of her Spokane clients. Positioned farther from Spokane and larger medical facilities, Deer Park was an ideal hub to care for surrounding communities like Chattaroy, Loon Lake, and Springdale, ensuring better access to vascular imaging for those who might otherwise struggle to travel for care.
O’Connor, who grew up in the region, is committed to providing her patients with a welcoming and stress-free experience. “I really like educating patients, so if patients have or want to know about certain disease processes or what they’re being tested for, I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and sharing what I can with them and creating that relationship and giving them a really nice, stress-free example,” she said.
Heather O’Connor is the Registered Vascular Technologist for Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics in her examination room.
Accessing Services
Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics is located within the Deer Park Family Care Clinic building at 905 East D Street. However, it operates independently, so patients do not need to be affiliated with the family care clinic to access services. The clinic operates by appointment only, though same-day add-ons are frequently available. Walk-ins are not accepted due to mobile contracts that require O’Connor to be at various locations, not always in the office.
All exams require a physician referral, but patients with existing referrals to other facilities can transfer them to Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics. The clinic needs a physical copy of the doctor’s order, which can be provided directly by the patient or sent by the referring physician’s office. Once the order is received, the clinic can schedule the exam.
They accept almost all major insurance plans, including Medicare, Primera, and United Healthcare.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact the clinic O’Connor at (509) 564-6499 or visit UUDVT.com.
Sources:
- Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics. “Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics.” UUDVT – Universal Ultrasound Diagnostic & Vein Treatment Center, UUDVT.com. Accessed 27 February 2025.
- O’Connor, Heather. In-Person Interview. By Richard Schut. 27 Feb 2025
