Driven by progressive advances in ultrasound technology, the use of echocardiography and FoCUS by noncardiologists is rapidly expanding. This allows the clinician at the bedside to rapidly and repeatedly evaluate a patient. It supplements physical examination and obviates the potential risk involved in waiting for, or transporting an unstable patient for, additional forms of diagnostic testing. A focused bedside ultrasound examination does not replace the role of a comprehensive echocardiographic examination and care must be taken to practice within the limitations of one’s own expertise. Consultation of an expert echocardiographer is recommended when there is any question or complex diagnosis. However, point of care cardiac ultrasound is a powerful new tool for the bedside clinician, and the applications will continue to develop in the future.