Your urinary tract can fall prey to acute and chronic diseases and conditions. To keep your kidneys, bladder and related structures functioning as they should, you need the right urologist. What are factors to consider in choosing one of these doctors? Read on to find out.
Consider Who Your PCP May Recommend
Your primary care physician is the first and best source for a referral to any medical specialist, including urology. Ask your doctor to recommend a urologist that offers the best diagnostic assessments and treatments for your urinary tract issue or your men’s health needs. Your PCP knows your medical history, your personality and the healthcare providers in your area, so they can recommend a urologist that would be a good fit.
Consider the Urologist’s Qualifications
Always research a prospective specialist online. Read the doctor’s biography and list of services on the practice website. Take note of their board-certification, education, hospital affiliations and services delivered onsite.
Be sure to check board-certification through a website such as the American Board of Medical Specialties. Board-certification demonstrates a physician’s willingness to adhere to the highest of professional standards, accountability and continuing education. In other words, certification is very important, and it is a good indicator of excellent diagnostic and treatment skills.
Book a Consultation with Your Top Choice
Make a list of doctors and work through the list. Arrange an in-office consultation with the urologist, and come prepared with questions about your possible condition, ways to determine a diagnosis and what treatments may be possible.
Don’t be shy about asking how many procedures the physician has done (for example, vasectomy reversal). Also, note how completely and respectfully he or she answers your questions.
Observe the office culture, too. Are you greeted right away and shown to a treatment room within a reasonable amount of time? Is the facility clean and neat? Can you reach the doctor via phone or patient portal? How easy is it to get appointments? All these factors make your course of treatment smoother and easier to deal with.
Think About the Office Location
You want a urologist located relatively close to your home or workplace. Ask the office staff where lab testing and imaging assessments are done. Is parking nearby? Is the office handicapped accessible? When you have a pressing medical need, you need as many services as possible located in one state of the art medical facility.
Check In-network Status
Your health insurance should provide you with a current list of in-network providers, including urologists. If you have a question, contact your carrier by phone to verify coverage and what your copays may be for office visits, surgery or other pertinent treatments.
Also, check with the urologist’s office manager or insurance specialist to verify what your carrier has told you. Knowing your coverage and financial obligations ahead of time allows you to concentrate on the medical aspects of your urology appointment.
Your Premier Urologist and Men’s Health Specialist in Phoenix, AZ
Ironwood Urology delivers exceptional urology and men’s sexual health services. Headed by board-certified and fellowship-trained urological surgeon, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., our team listens to and cares for patients by offering state of the art treatments and compassionate follow-up. We treat everything from kidney stones and erectile dysfunction to vasectomy reversal and low-T.
Call us at (480) 961-2323 to book your consultation or request a visit here. Whether you visit us at our Phoenix or our Gilbert location, you will know you have come to the right place. We hope to see you soon!
