FAQs

Who is a Urologist?

Urologist is a surgeon who has specialized knowledge and skill regarding problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. The male and female urinary tract includes kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra — as well as the related organs – testes, prostate, penis, epidydimis, seminal vesicles and associated glands.

What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?

Apart from medicare and your insurance information

• Referral letter from GP, family physician or other doctor
• Medicare card, DVA card, Pension Card
• Have your Private Hospital Insurance information with you
• Copies of results, X-rays, MRI’s, CT scan etc. and any other relevant information

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records.

Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is partly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition, and also because Medicare pays higher rebates for specialist services if you have been referred.

How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care?

Before seeing any medical specialist, it is always preferable to talk to your own family doctor, who can discuss your condition with you and advice on whether any specialist care is appropriate. If it is, he or she can help you to choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your family doctor can help the specialist to care for you better by providing relevant information about your health. Communicating with the specialist will also enable your family doctor to care for you better during and after your specialist treatment.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first appointment you will discuss your concerns with the urologist. The doctor will ask you questions and may perform a physical examination. You may be sent for further tests and be asked to return for follow-up. Based on the results of your test(s) a diagnosis will be made and the appropriate treatment will be explained and offered to you.