Urology is the surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Urologists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with disorders of the kidney, ureter, bladder, urethra, prostate and testis. Urology combines non-surgical management of problems such as urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as surgery for conditions such as cancer, stones, congenital abnormalities and stress incontinence.
Common Patient Questions
Q: What should I bring to my appointment? · Referral letter (if not previously provided) · Medicare card · Private health fund details · Pension card · Results of relevant blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or scans
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please contact us to let us know.
Q: Do I require an appointment? A: Yes. In order for our doctors and nurses to attend to our patients in an effective and timely manner, we only see patients with appointments. If you don’t have an appointment with a nurse or doctor, you should ring us to make an appointment to be seen.
Q: What should I expect from my consultation with my urologist? A: At your first visit, you will discuss your urological problem with your urologist. He or she may recommend further tests or treatments. There are a number of common tests that are used and most can be done in the rooms in 802 Mair Street or one of the hospitals. Treatment may be with medication, surgery or both. Sometimes, a few may be required before a diagnosis is made or the problem is treated. Sometimes, long-term treatment is needed and you may see your urologist again and again for many years. Occasionally, you may be referred to another specialist within the practice or in another practice.
Q: What happens if I am unable to attend my appointment? A: If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please contact us to let us know.
Q: Is a referral required for a consultation with a Urologist? A: If you will be claiming a rebate from Medicare for the appointment you will need to get a referral from a GP (doctor) or specialist before booking an appointment to see a Urologist. Referral letters are helpful as the referring doctor, usually you GP, will provide relevant information that can improve the outcome of your treatment.
Q: Is a translator available? A: Should you require a translator we can arrange for a phone translator to be available during your consultation, please let us know when booking your appointment.
Q: How long can I expect to wait for an appointment? A: All referrals are checked and patients with urgent conditions will be seen as soon as possible but some patients with non-urgent conditions can expect to wait a few months.
Q: Is it necessary for me to have private health insurance? A: From 1 January 2024, we will not accept new referrals for patients who do not have private health insurance.
Q: Can a rebate be claimed from private health insurance for a consultation? A: No. Private health insurance rebates do not apply to consultations or procedures conducted in the clinic.
Q: Is Medicare claimable? A: We are able to process Medicare claims at the time of payment. Payments from Medicare can be expected in your nominated account with Medicare within 24-48 hours.
Q: How do I pay for my account? A: We expect payment on the day of your consultation. We do not accept cash.
Q: Is Ballarat Urology a bulk billing clinic? A: No, we are a private specialist medical practice
Q: Do you have parking? A: Yes, parking is available on-site for patients at the rear of the building.
Q: Do you offer Telehealth? A: Where possible, we can see patients by Telehealth.
Q: What does presenting with a full bladder mean? A: We recommend being able to pass urine when attending for your appointment, but not to the point of being uncomfortable.
----------------- VASECTOMY Q: What is the process for undergoing a vasectomy? If considering a vasectomy, the first thing you will require is a referral from your GP to see one of our urologists, this enables you to claim from Medicare where applicable. You can then contact our rooms to book an initial consultation with one of our urologists. If you wish to proceed with the vasectomy we can then book you in for the procedure in our rooms, which can take 15-30 minutes. Procedures done in our rooms do not require a hospital stay and private health insurance will not be applicable.
Q: Can I drive home after a vasectomy procedure? A: No, someone should drive you home.
URODYNAMICS Q: What is a Urodynamics assessment? A: A urodynamics assessment is a series of bladder pressure tests that assists in the diagnosis of urinary problems. A urodynamics assessment can take one hour.