Sonographer accused of sexually assaulting patient during exam, Georgia deputies say
A sonographer was arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a patient during an exam at an Atlanta-area medical clinic, deputies in Georgia say.
Bhavin Patel, 39, turned himself in Tuesday, Aug. 15, and was charged with sexual assault in the July 31 incident, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
The patient told investigators she was at Wellstar Cardiac Diagnostics in Woodstock for an echo sonogram. The test uses sound waves from a handheld device placed on the chest to assess the structure and function of a person’s heart, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While performing the sonogram, the woman said Patel sexually assaulted her, according to deputies. Authorities investigated her claims and found they had merit.
Patel was booked into the Cherokee Adult Detention Center and later released on a $5,700 bond, deputies said.
A Wellstar spokesperson said Patel, who was an independent contractor, has been “relieved of further service commitments.”
“Our patients’ safety and security are extremely important to us,” the spokesperson told McClatchy News. “We are in contact with the patient and supporting her in this time, and we are fully cooperating with the responding authorities.”
To ensure a comfortable experience, patients can bring a family member or friend during exams, according to Wellstar.
Woodstock is about 30 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published August 17, 2023 at 2:13 PM.