10 Tips to Find a Good Urologist
A urologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the urinary system’s organs, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. They also treat diseases affecting the male reproductive system and adrenal glands. Choosing the right urologist is important for addressing issues with these body parts and managing related health conditions. From researching the doctor’s expertise and credentials to reading patient reviews, one must consider several factors to make an informed decision.
Know about the certifications and licenses for a urologist
It takes 15 years to become an American Board of Urology-certified urologist. They need to complete the following to get a board certification:
A bachelor’s degree
A four-year D.O or M.D medical degree
A 4 or 5-year residency program under the supervision of a licensed urologist, with a 1-year residency for general surgery
Licensing and certification from the American Board of Urology or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery
Optional fellowship training in a sub-specialty of urology
Board certification implies that the urologists have completed a rigorous accreditation program and now have the qualification, experience, and expertise to deal with problems and conditions that affect the urinary tract.
Know the type of urologist needed
A general urologist treats common and general illnesses that may affect the urinary system.
Female urologists who deal with women’s reproductive and urinary systems
Male urologists treat male infertility and issues with the urinary system
Neuro urologists treat urinary tract problems caused by problems in the nervous system
Pediatric urologists treat children with urinary tract problems
Urologist Oncologists treat cancer that may affect any part of the urinary tract
Surgeries and procedures performed by urologists
Urologists are also trained to perform surgeries and other non-invasive procedures to treat multiple diseases that may affect the urinary system. Some of the procedures and surgeries that a urologist can perform are:
Bladder, kidney, and prostate biopsies
Calypso or Fiducial Markers to deliver radiation for prostate cancer
Cystectomy – a surgery to remove the bladder
Cystoscopy to examine problems in the bladder lining and urethra
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Kidney transplant
Robotic surgeries
Surgeries to correct damage to kidneys and urinary organs or open a urinary tract block.
Ureteroscopy to remove the kidney stone
Vasectomy
Ask for referrals
A primary care physician could refer a person to a urologist based on the symptoms and basic diagnostic tests and may share the names of local urologists. If one is looking for a new urologist, one can ask the current urologist or another healthcare professional who is attending to them. One can also ask one’s friends, family, and colleagues who may be under the care of a urologist or may know of someone in the locality.
Search health aggregator sites
Once a person has a shortlisted names, one can further research the doctors online. Many websites provide detailed information about doctors in the locality and nearby areas. One can search specifically for board-certified urologists to get the names of the best ones in the area. The websites rank them and provide information about their qualifications and experience based on extensive research and patient reviews. Some such sites are:
CareDash
Castle Connolly
Healthgrades
RateMDs
RealSelf
WebMD Physician Directory
Evaluate their credentials
One can further search for a urologist’s credentials to understand if there are any lawsuits against them for malpractice claims or if there are records of disciplinary action. One can also verify their board certifications and licenses online.
Evaluate their success rates
Many different problems can affect the urinary system, and if a person can find a urologist with extensive experience treating that specific condition, it can be a great advantage. The doctor could also effectively help a person rather than referring them to another urologist.
Look for gender-specific urologists if required
Talking with female doctors about male infertility or female incontinence to male doctors can be uncomfortable for some. In such cases, one can narrow one’s search by looking for male or female urologists.
Quality of the hospital
Urologists use many non-invasive and latest technologies to treat urinary problems, reduce the need for surgery, and limit patient discomfort. The hospital one is considering must have the latest infrastructure and medical equipment so that one can benefit from the expertise of a doctor or surgeon. It may be cumbersome and impractical to have a good urologist but change to another hospital because of inadequate facilities.
Insurance coverage
If a treatment requires surgery or hospitalization, one’s insurance may cover the cost only if the hospital and the doctor participate in the said insurance plan. It is best to look for doctors who are part of the plan. One can also talk to the insurance provider and get a list of participating hospitals and doctors. This can protect one from paying out-of-pocket expenses in case of a sudden surgery or hospitalization.
