If you’ve ever gone to a primary care physician for treatment before, they may have referred you to a specialist. For problems with your urinary tract or reproductive health, a specialist they can recommend is a urologist.
A urologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating urinary and male reproductive system problems. They provide surgical and medical treatments for any urologic condition.
Examples of health issues they tackle include:
- Blood in the urine or hematuria
- Cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate
- Enlarged prostate
- Erectile dysfunction
- Inability to control urination
- Kidney stones, and
- Urinary tract infections
Let’s talk about the five essential things you should consider while selecting a urologist and where you can go to find the best urologist in Phoenix, AZ.
What You Should Know Before Seeing A Urologist
Here are five things to know before you see a urologist:
1. The Kind of Help You Need
Knowing the right person to approach for help will save you time and effort. But before choosing a urologist, you must determine your concern and who will help you best. After all, several fields of medicine overlap in terms of the health problems they treat.
For example, urology is the branch of medicine that deals with urinary and reproductive problems. It can overlap with nephrology or endocrinology.
Nephrology studies kidney functions and the conditions that can afflict them. On the other hand, endocrinology tackles the body’s hormones. Kidneys are part of the urinary tract, while your reproductive system is involved in hormone production.
Another expert to consider is your primary care physician. They specialize in general medicine and have a broad understanding of different conditions. You may ask them how urologists can help with your condition.
2. Their Distance From You
The next thing to know before selecting a urologist is where they are. It will be more convenient for you to choose a provider who works close to where you live or work. You will save time and money and ensure you make it to all of your appointments.
3. If They Are Board-Certified
It is important to know the credentials of the people who will be providing you with treatment. Urologists must pass United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) after getting their bachelor’s and medical degrees and completing their residency.
After obtaining their license, they may undergo further training and board certification. It is possible to check whether a urologist is board-certified or not. You can do so by visiting the provider’s online page or websites like:
- com, or
- org.
You should also check if the urologist has no history of malpractice or disciplinary actions. You can access these records through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website.
4. Their Specializations
After completing their residency programs, urologists have the option of specializing in a particular field. This additional training gives them more in-depth expertise in that specific area of focus. That means they are better equipped to deal with certain urological problems.
You should consider a urologist’s specialization before choosing them. It will help you get the best treatment for your condition. Areas of specialization include:
- Women’s urology
- Children’s urology
- Male infertility
- Reconstructive urology
- Kidney stones, and
- Sexual health
5. Your Insurance Coverage
Finally, it is critical to check if your insurance covers your chosen urologist. That way, you can receive the most benefits from your plan and not pay too much from your pocket.
You should also be aware of the requirements of your insurance provider. Most plans require that you approach a primary care physician for a referral before going to a urologist. You may call your provider to get the exact details.
Best Urologist in Phoenix, AZ
If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, and are looking for a urologist, look no further. Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr is a board-certified urologist who can provide traditional and minimally invasive treatments for your urologic concerns. With over 20 years of experience, he is also fellowship-trained and a leading expert in men’s health issues in Arizona.
Here at Ironwood Urology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and tailor-made care for your urinary and reproductive problems. From male infertility to prostate cancer, we have the means and the skills to help you get back to your healthy life. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila by calling us at (480) 961-2323! You can also use this form to schedule a consultation with the best urologist near you.
We look forward to serving you.
