In many foetal medicine units and private practices, sonographers have gained considerable responsibility and independence. Still, there is a wide divergence of opinion as to their proper role, and to the role of the reporting doctor. The present study examines the role of the sonologist in three sonographerβbased obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound practices. During a 25βday period, 14 sonographers filled out a questionnaire for each patient they scanned. Questions included indication for scan, whether or not and why the patient was scanned and/or seen by a sonologist, and abnormalities found. Information regarding 700 patients was obtained. Fortyβeight patients were excluded because they were also booked to see a doctor. Of the remaining 652 patients, 74.5% had obstetric indications and 25.5% had gynaecological indications. Ten per cent of all patients scheduled to be scanned only by a sonographer also needed to be scanned by a sonologist, and 34.5% of all patients had contact with a doctor unexpectedly, most commonly to explain findings or arrange treatment and tests. In conclusion, in a sonographerβbased practice the sonologist is often required to provide direct patient care beyond simple report writing. Therefore optimal patient management would require an onβsite sonologist.