Following are answers to some questions our patients often ask. For more information, or if you have other questions, feel free to call us at 877-362-2778.
General Questions
Do you accept my health insurance?
Urology of Indiana physicians are contracted with most insurance companies. However, we are not part of every health insurance plan. It is important that you check with your insurance company to determine if our physicians are contracted with your specific insurance plan. While we see all patients, there may be more cost to you if we are not part of your insurance plan.
It is your responsibility to know the details of your plan. We will file a claim with your insurance company, but we expect payment in full of any co-pays at the time of service. We accept credit cards, personal checks and cash. We offer discounts to the uninsured and will make every effort to work with you to resolve any payment issues before billing you for remaining balances, including deductibles.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Please plan to arrive at the office approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow us to finalize your new patient registration. Please bring your insurance card(s), and if your coverage requires a co-payment, please be prepared to pay that at the time of service.
How do I get to your office?
Our office addresses and maps can be found on the “Locations” area under the “About” tab across the top of the home page of our website.
What is Urology?
Urology is the surgical specialty that focuses on the genitourinary tract of men and women and on the reproductive system of men. Physicians specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage patients with urological disorders. The organs covered by the specialty of urology include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra and the male reproductive organs.
Urology combines management of medical or non-surgical problems such as urinary infections and surgical problems (i.e., the correction of congenital abnormalities) and the surgical management of cancers. The visit with your urologist will begin with a review of your medical history and the reason for your visit, including any current symptoms you may be experiencing.
How do I get a prescription refill?
If you need a prescription refill from a Urology of Indiana physician, please call us at 877-362-2778. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, name of medication, phone number of your local pharmacy and a number where you can be reached. One of our nurses will confirm with the physician and call the prescription in to your pharmacy.
We are able to refill only prescriptions that have been written by our Urology of Indiana physicians. If you have prescriptions written by your family doctor or other specialists, they will need to call in those refills for you. Refill requests are typically completed the same day, however, sometimes they take 24-48 hours; so be sure to plan ahead. There are some prescriptions (i.e., Schedule II medications) that cannot be refilled via phone or on a Friday afternoon.
You can also request a prescription refill by using our online secure Patient Portal page. Simply follow the prompts on the portal once you log in.
Questions About General Male Urology
How much does a vasectomy cost?
Vasectomy is often considered an elective procedure. Therefore, payment is due at the time of service. To discuss specific costs and payment options, please contact our billing office by calling 317-885-1250.
Do I need to fast for PSA?
You are not required to fast before a PSA blood draw.
Questions About Urogynecology
What is Urogynecology?
Urogynecology is a surgical sub-specialty that combines Obstetrics and Gynecology with Urology and is dedicated to the treatment of pelvic floor disorders in women.
What are common conditions associated with Urogynecology?
There are a number of conditions associated with Urogynecology. Three of the most common disorders are urinary incontinence (including stress, urge and overflow), pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse.
What is the pelvic floor?
For women, the pelvic floor is comprised of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that help hold up and control the rectum, uterus, vagina and bladder. Men also have a pelvic floor that supports pelvic organs, the bladder, and the rectum.
What causes pelvic floor disorders?
Often times, childbirth is the main cause of these disorders. The more times a woman gives birth, the higher her risk is for pelvic floor disorders. Obesity is another risk factor that is associated with these disorders. Excessive weight gain puts a great strain on the pelvic floor, which weakens the surrounding muscles.
How do Urogynecologists treat pelvic floor disorders?
Treatment options can vary greatly on a case-by-case basis. These options include behavioral modification (such as changing diet, exercise and urinary habits), taking medications, specialized physical therapy and minimally invasive surgery that works to relax and control the movement and functions of your pelvic floor muscles.
When should I make an appointment with a Urogynecologist?
Many women assume that the symptoms associated with pelvic floor disorders are part of the natural aging process. In reality, these symptoms are highly treatable, and they occur in up to one-third of all women by the age of 60.
Questions About Bladder Cancer
While bladder cancer is the most common cancer of the urinary tract, there are a number of misconceptions about the risk factors, symptoms and treatments. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about bladder cancer.
What is bladder cancer?
This is a form of cancer that originates in the bladder, which is an organ located in the pelvic cavity that stores and discharges urine. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma, or TCC. Bladder Cancer is also known as urothelial carcinoma, which is a condition where cells in the bladder lining begin rapidly overproducing.
What are common symptoms for bladder cancer?
The primary symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, known as hematuria. Hematuria may be visible to the naked eye, but most often is viewed under a microscopic and is usually painless. Other symptoms include frequent urination, pain upon urination (dysuria), or increased urgency. The best thing to do when you are experiencing these symptoms is to seek an appointment with your Urologist, as an early diagnosis can increase the number of treatment options.
Who is at risk for bladder cancer?
Generally speaking, bladder cancer is most likely to occur in individuals aged 50 - 80. Another major risk factor is smoking. Smoking accounts for about 50% of all bladder cancer cases reported every year. When someone smokes, the dangerous chemicals in tobacco are absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time, harmful cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) build up in the urine that is stored in the kidneys, which may lead to the development of bladder cancer.
What are the most common treatment options?
Like any other cancer, early diagnosis increases the number of treatment options available to patients. In terms of strictly non-surgical treatment there is immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation. All three work in different ways to attack cancer cells whether through biological therapy, drugs to destroy the cancer cells or high energy rays.
When the cancer has invaded the muscle of the bladder wall, removal of portions of the bladder may be the best step towards a cure. This surgery is known as radical cystectomy, which can take many forms depending on the stage of the cancer and the health of the patient. Often the best care solution is a combination of a non-surgical therapy treatment and surgery.
How can I prevent bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is common and highly treatable, especially if it is caught in the early stages. The best form of prevention is continual surveillance and regular check-ups with your Urologist.
If you have already had bladder cancer, there is a high rate of recurrence. It is important to continually monitor your condition with your Urologist to lower the chances of relapse. Usually this program includes a urine cytology and cystoscopy, performed every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months for the next 2 years and then yearly.