If you are planning to visit a urologist for the first time, you may experience some pre-appointment anxiety. That is understandable because you likely have some worrisome symptoms to discuss in an unfamiliar medical environment. So, to help you better prepare for your consultation, we have provided some information about what a urologist does and tips on how you can interact with this highly skilled and helpful physician.
1. Discuss Your Concerns With Your Primary Care Doctor
If you have acute or persistent urinary tract symptoms, discuss them first with your primary care provider (PCP). This physician is your best resource for diagnosis and treatment of systemic health issues and for preventive care. Your PCP may run some initial tests and prescribe treatments. However, if problems continue, or if the doctor feels it is outside of their expertise, then a consultation with a urologist is your best path going forward.
2. Be Sure Your Urologist is in Your Insurance Network
Choose a board-certified urologist in your area. Your PCP or a reliable friend or colleague may be able to recommend one suited to your possible health needs. Be sure the urologist is board-certified and experienced in the condition or possible treatments which concern you.
Also, check with your health insurance provider to see if the urologist is in-network. Ask about any copays or visit limits and take your insurance information with you to your initial office consultation.
3. Fill in Your Patient Paperwork Completely And Honestly
At the urology clinic, you will be asked to complete new patient paperwork. These documents will include questions about your medical history and symptoms. Be honest, detailed, and accurate so the urologist and support team can have a better understanding of your health concerns.
4. Come to Your Appointment Prepared to Give a Urine Sample
While you do not need a completely full bladder, you should not be completely empty either. Expect your healthcare provider to ask you for a urine sample, so be sure to not use the restroom right before your appointment.
5. Ask The Doctor Questions And Give Honest Answers
Write a list of questions ahead of time. These can include:
- “Will I need a biopsy, and how will this be done?”
- “Can medication take care of my problem?”
- “How can I prevent my symptoms from recurring?”
- “Would exercise and losing weight help my symptoms?”
- “Do all kidney stones have to be removed?”
- “Is erectile dysfunction a normal part of aging?”
6. Expect a Physical Examination and Blood Work
Your examination may include a digital rectal examination, imaging, and blood work (to check for markers of kidney function, prostate cancer assessment and more). You may also undergo imaging tests, such as a bladder ultrasound, CT scan, penile doppler assessment of blood flow, X-rays, or others.
7. Keep a Journal of Your Symptoms and Your Response to Treatment
Write down how your symptoms are responding to treatment. Be as specific as you can and report them to your urologist via an online patient portal or at your next office visit. Doctor/patient communication is vital to urology treatment, so make sure you communicate openly, and expect your medical specialist to do the same.
Urologist in Phoenix, Arizona
For the finest and most comprehensive urology and men’s sexual health care in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona, contact Ironwood Urology. The wide-ranging expertise of our board-certified urologist Dr. Desiderio Avila has helped scores of men achieve improved urologic and sexual health.
To find out more about his services or to book an in-office consultation at our Phoenix or Gilbert locations, call us today at (480) 961-2323. You can also request your visit online. Donot delay,come see us soon!
