FAQ
What is a Urologist?
A urologist is a doctor 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 include kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra — as well as the related organs – testes, prostate, penis, epidydimis, seminal vesicles and associated glands.
What should I bring to my clinic appointment?
Medicare or veteran affairs card. Referral letter from your GP, family physician or other doctor. Have your insurance information with you. Bring copies of records and x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. from clinics outside.
What should I do if I can’t make my appointment?
Please telephone the office during business hours and if possible cancel at least 1 day ahead so that your appointment time can be allocated to another patient who is seeking treatment. Your time is valuable and I make every effort to run on time. As you can imagine, emergencies occur that cause scheduling delays beyond my control. I apologize in advance if I keep you waiting.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Yes. Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Both myself and my staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements regarding your medical records. I 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 advise 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?
At your first appointment I will review your files from your doctor and then possibly organise some diagnostic tests for you which will help with determining the correct treatment path for you. During your appointment I will do a physical examination and ask you a several questions about your urological condition and your medical history.
If required I will explain the procedure that I feel would be of benefit for you. I will describe the procedure and its risks and benefits and, talk about possible alternatives.