When your personal waterworks need fixing, you need a medical plumber! If you’re in the market for a urology specialist, here’s a list of questions to ask.
The field of urology is a branch of medicine that is concerned with the function of and disorders relating to the urinary system. If you were diagnosed with a urinary tract blockage or prostate cancer, you would probably speak to a urology specialist, also known as a urologist.
Depending what kind of issue you have, meeting with a urologist for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. Below you will find some background information as well as a list of questions you should ask during your appointment to ensure that you get the most out of it you can.
What Does a Urology Specialist Do?
A urology specialist, or urologist, generally covers the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men, as well as issues related to the reproductive tract in men. Urologists work in all kinds of medical settings including hospitals, clinics, and even urology centers.
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A urologist is qualified to treat all of the various parts of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureter, urethra, and the adrenal glands as well as the various parts of the male reproductive system including the penis, prostate, and testicles. Some of the most common problems urologists treat include things like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones, though they also treat more serious conditions like prostate cancer.
What Questions Should You Ask at Your Appointment?
When preparing for your first appointment with the urologist, you should gather certain things to bring with you so that the doctor will have everything he needs to make an accurate diagnosis. Bring your insurance card as well as the results of any blood or urine tests your primary care physician (PCP) may have performed. It is also wise to bring a list of any medications or supplements you take as well as detailed notes about your symptoms.
When you sit down with the urologist, answer all of his questions as accurately and honestly as you can. You may also want to ask questions such as the following:
- Do you have enough information to make an accurate diagnosis? If so, what is it?
- Can you recommend another doctor who can give me a second opinion?
- What are the different options available for treatment and which do you recommend?
- What kind of recovery time can I expect with this treatment?
- What can I do to speed my recovery time and to improve my odds of a full recovery?
- What kind of outlook is typical for this particular condition or problem?
- Could any of the medications I am currently taking cause an interaction with my treatment?
- Is surgery a possibility, now or in the future, and is it the best treatment option?
- If surgery is recommended, should I have it done right away or wait?
- What kind of outcomes or complications should I be aware of with this type of surgery?
- How many of this type of surgery have you performed and what were the outcomes?
- What can I expect in terms of progression of my disease if I forego surgery?
These are by no means all of the questions you might ask your urology specialist – it really depends what your issue is and what treatment options are available.
The best rule of thumb to follow is to ask any question that comes into your mind, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, to ensure that you have a complete understanding of your problem and the treatment options. You should also get the urologist’s number or email address so you can contact him with future questions.
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