Frequently asked questions
Answers before you choose a urologist
Start here for common questions about symptoms, appointments, referrals, cost, and how to use FindAUrologist safely.
Getting started
- Is FindAUrologist a diagnosis tool?
- No. FindAUrologist provides general urology education and provider discovery. It does not diagnose symptoms, replace a medical visit, or provide emergency care instructions beyond general safety guidance.
- When should I seek urgent care instead of using this site?
- Do not wait on inability to urinate, severe flank or back pain with fever, sudden testicular pain, heavy visible blood in urine, or symptoms that feel dangerous. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department when symptoms are severe or urgent.
- Can women use FindAUrologist?
- Yes. Urologists treat urinary conditions in both men and women, including recurrent UTIs, kidney stones, blood in urine, overactive bladder, incontinence, pelvic pain, and bladder concerns.
- Where is FindAUrologist currently active for appointments?
- FindAUrologist is launching with a New Jersey appointment path first, including a featured practice path for Innovative Urology. The directory will expand carefully as more participating practices are reviewed.
First urology appointment
- What should I expect at my first urology appointment?
- Your first urology appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and includes a medical history review, a physical examination, and a urinalysis. Your urologist will discuss your symptoms, review any prior test results, and may order additional blood work or imaging. Most patients leave with an initial assessment and a plan for next steps.
- Is a urology exam painful?
- Most urology exams involve minimal discomfort. A digital rectal exam (DRE) for prostate evaluation takes about 10 to 15 seconds and is uncomfortable but not painful for most patients. A pelvic exam for women is similar to a gynecological exam. Urinalysis is completely painless. If a cystoscopy is recommended, local numbing gel is used to minimize discomfort.
- Do I need a referral to see a urologist?
- It depends on your insurance plan. Many PPO plans allow self-referral to a specialist, while most HMO plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Call your insurance company or the urology office before scheduling to confirm whether a referral is needed.
- Should I arrive with a full bladder?
- Yes. Most urology offices ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder so you can provide a urine sample immediately. Some visits also include a post-void residual test, which measures how well your bladder empties — this requires a full bladder followed by urination and then a quick bladder ultrasound.
- Can women see a urologist?
- Absolutely. Urologists treat urinary conditions in both men and women. Common reasons women see a urologist include recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, kidney stones, blood in the urine, pelvic organ prolapse, and interstitial cystitis. Some urologists subspecialize in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
- What is the difference between a urologist and a nephrologist?
- A urologist treats surgical and structural conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. A nephrologist is an internal medicine specialist who treats medical kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, electrolyte disorders, and hypertension related to kidney function. If your problem may need a procedure or involves the bladder, prostate, or reproductive organs, a urologist is the right specialist.
- How much does a first urology visit cost without insurance?
- A first urology consultation without insurance typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on the region and complexity of the visit. Additional tests like blood work, imaging, or in-office procedures are billed separately. Many practices offer cash-pay discounts or payment plans — call ahead to ask about self-pay pricing.
- How do I find a good urologist near me?
- Start with a referral from your primary care physician, then verify the urologist is board-certified through the American Board of Urology. Check that they accept your insurance, read patient reviews for communication style, and confirm they have experience with your specific condition. FindAUrologist.com lets you search by location, specialty focus, and insurance acceptance to find a qualified urologist in your area.
Costs, procedures, and decisions
- Do I have one working kidney, and how well is it functioning right now?
- Ask for the specific kidney-function tests and imaging findings. A solitary kidney should be monitored with more care than a routine urinary complaint.
- Is there hydronephrosis, a stone, UPJ obstruction, or another cause of blockage?
- The answer usually depends on imaging and the pain pattern. A urologist may compare ultrasound, CT, renal scan, and lab results.
- Do my symptoms fit Dietl crisis or another intermittent drainage problem?
- Dietl crisis is episodic pain linked to intermittent kidney drainage problems. The diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and imaging context.
- Do I need urgent drainage with a stent or nephrostomy, or can this be planned as an outpatient?
- Severe symptoms, infection, rising creatinine, or poor drainage can make the situation urgent, especially with one working kidney.
- Would robotic pyeloplasty, open pyeloplasty, an endourologic option, or chronic stent management fit my case?
- Fit depends on anatomy, kidney function, cause of blockage, prior surgery, infection risk, and the patient's overall health.
- How often should I monitor blood pressure, urine protein, creatinine, eGFR, and imaging?
- Monitoring frequency is individualized. People with solitary kidney should ask for a written follow-up plan.
- Is my prostate cancer truly localized enough for a focal HIFU discussion?
- That depends on biopsy, MRI, PSA, exam, risk category, and whether the cancer appears targetable. Not every localized prostate cancer is a good focal-therapy case.
- What did my MRI and biopsy show about cancer location, grade, and volume?
- A good HIFU conversation should connect the treatment target to the actual imaging and biopsy map.
- Am I considering HIFU as first treatment or after prior radiation?
- The primary and salvage settings have different goals, risks, and alternatives. Ask the urologist to separate them clearly.
- What prostate tissue would be treated, and what would be left untreated?
- This is central to focal therapy. Patients should understand both the treated zone and the surveillance plan for the rest of the prostate.
New Jersey appointment path
Ready to talk with a urologist?
Start with the practice directly. Do not send sensitive medical details through public forms; the office can move the conversation into the right intake process.