Do I need a referral to come to a Urologist?
It depends on your type of insurance. HMO and POS insurance plans require a referral. Without a referral from you PCP, the insurance will not pay for your visit. The patient needs to obtain the referral from their PCP. We are not responsible for getting your referral.
Do I have to make an appointment to get my lab test results?
Most lab test results will be called to you as soon as they are available and after Dr. Black has looked at them.
How long does it take for my test results to come back?
Most test results come back in 2-5 days. Dr. Black tries to look at and sign off on them daily, so the nurse can call you back the next day with results. Pathology reports and urine cytology results may take up to 7 days to return.
How long does it take for X-ray results to come back?
X-ray results vary by the test ordered. Most radiologists read the films within 24-48 hours. They must then be transcribed and electronically signed by the radiologist before they are available to us.
Can I just drop by while I am in town and pick up a written prescription?
No, you cannot. Please call your pharmacy and have them fax us a refill request. If you must have a written prescription for mail off, please call 1-2 days in advance so Dr. Black will have time to write it. Just dropping by will cause you to wait until he is in-between patients and can write the prescription. You may have to wait a long time.
Is the doctor there every day?
Dr. Black does hospital-based surgeries on Wednesday mornings and Friday mornings and is not in the office at those times.
Will Dr. Black be mad if I want a second opinion?
No. He will not be mad at you. We will gladly arrange a second opinion for you and will get the appropriate records to the other physician’s office. We recognize that there may be other information out there that you or your family want to explore.
If I have issues with the staff or my bill who do I tell?
The office manager has been here since 1986 and will be happy to help you. If you are in the office, feel free to tell Dr. Black if there is a problem with a staff member.
Am I immediately sterile after a vasectomy?
No, you are not immediately sterile. Most men take 2-3 months before they become sterile. You will need to continue birth control these 2-3 months.
Why do I have to stop my Metformin for x-rays using IV contrast? I am afraid my diabetes will get out of control. When can I start back on the Metformin?
Your diabetes will not get out of control if you are off of your medication for 2-4 days. Metformin has to be stopped for your safety as the combination of Metformin and the X-ray contrast could possibly harm your kidneys. We need to draw a creatinine level at 48 hours, and if it is normal, you may then restart your Metformin.