You're giving your consent when you agree to have an "abdominal" or "pelvic" ultrasound. And furthermore, a reproductive problem can feel like a digestive issue; vice versa.

In Canada, doctor's offices don't have ultrasound machines. You see your doctor about a concern and then you're referred for imaging at a later date by a technician. That technician may not even know what the medical concern is. S/he just explores the areas ordered in the requisition.

Perhaps that's the main difference. If my doctor had easy access to this sort of equipment, i can see him examining a specific organ. The one i'm complaining about. I wouldn't expect him to look at my uterus if i'm saying my stomach hurts, without letting me know first.