We perform all of our cardiac and vascular inhouse patients as portable studies. Our hospital asks us to do this as a service to our customers, so that patients are not having to be moved around through the halls in hospital gowns, or waiting in some cold holding area for their test to be performed. It took a bit of getting used to for me, especially when doing carotid exams, but now it is no big deal. It does add a bit to the exam time, but the hospital feels it is worth the effort for patient comfort. My situation is somewhat different from yours though, as our hospital is much smaller and our department is situated near a service elevator that exits directly to the patient floors. Carol Miranda Healthsouth Medical Center Richmond, VA ---------- >.