Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 10 warnings signs of bladder problems?

1. Leakage of urine, which prevents activities
2. Leakage of urine causing embarrassment.
3. Leakage of urine which began or continued after an operation (hysterectomy, cesarean section, prostate surgery, etc.)
4. Inability to urinate (retention of urine).
5. Urinating more frequently than usual without a proven bladder infection.
6. Needing to rush to the bathroom and/or losing urine if you do not arrive in time.
7. Pain related to filling the bladder and/or pain related to urination in the absence of a bladder infection.
8. Frequent bladder infections.
9. Progressive weakness of the urinary stream with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
10. Abnormal urination or changes in urination related to a nervous system abnormality such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Why do I have to give a urine sample every time I come in for a visit?

Urine reveals many clues to a patients' urologic health, which is why we ask for urine samples from you whenever you visit us. We look for infection, microscopic blood, proteins and any other pathology which may help us diagnose your problem.

I have recently had a son and was wondering if your physicians do circumcisions?

Yes! Our doctors do circumcisions on infants, children and adult males.

I know that your doctors do vasectomies. Do you also do vasectomy reversals?

Absolutely! Our physicians perform vasectomy reversals and although there are no guarantees as to success, we have had good success rates with them. If you are interested in a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal, please call our office at (309) 888-4000.

What if I am interested in having a vasectomy reversal?

You can call our office to arrange for a consultation. In many cases a vasectomy reversal is the best available first option for a couple interested in having a child after the man has undergone a vasectomy. It is the most natural, least invasive and cost effective method of producing a pregnancy. If successful, the man's sperm may be of adequate quantity to allow for natural conception. If this does not occur there may be adequate sperm for the ejaculate to be processed and placed inside the woman's uterus (Intrauterine Insemination or IUI). This may be done without the woman taking fertility medications (either by mouth or injection). We have enjoyed a good success rate with our vasectomy reversals and would be happy to discuss the procedure with you.

I think I have a urinary tract infection. What should I do?

Please contact our office and speak with a nurse regarding your symptoms. Generally speaking, you will be asked to make an appointment to come in to the office at which time your urine will be examined and if necessary, an antibiotic will be ordered for you. Often times, we are able to get you in to be seen as a walk-in on the same day. Once you have been seen and are in our system, you will be set up with self start antibiotics and a home urine culture collection kit.

When can I expect test results for tests that were ordered by my doctor?

If you were sent by our physicians to a lab or facility outside our own, the results of any radiograph or imaging study that you have ha done may take a few days. This is because although you may be told by the facility that we will have your results from then that day, there are many steps involved before our physicians see those results. For example, a radiologist must look at your films or studies. Then he dictates a report, which will in turn be typed up by someone in his office and then sent to out physicians. When we receive the report in our office, your physician will review the report, look over your chart and may in some instance, travel to the facility where your test was done to look at the film himself. As you can see this is a thorough process which may take a few days to complete.

If you have scheduled a follow-up appointment with your physician or the physician's assistant, the results of your tests or lab work will be discussed with you then. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, our office will phone you as soon as your results have been received and reviewed by your physician.

While it is rare, if you do not hear from us, please call our office at (309) 888-4000

General Questions

How long will it take for the nurse to call me back when I have a question or need test results?

Our nurses are highly trained but they do need to do several things before you can be called back with an answer to your problem.

After the nurse receives the message that you called, she will review the notes and then discuss your question or problem with your physician. If the physician is in the operating room at the hospital or in office hours with other patients, it may take a while for the nurse to get the answer or physician input, which she needs in order to call you back.

Rest assured that in emergency situations, your call would be answered immediately.

I really want to speak to my own doctor when I call the office. Why do I have to speak to the nurse when I ask to speak to the doctor?

Because our doctors see patients in our office, do surgeries at the UroHealth Institute and other local hospitals and surgicenters, volunteer time at the Community Clinic, participate in continuing urologic education and take as occasional day off, your physician may not be immediately available for you to speak with. Rather than make you wait for an answer, we ask the nurse to respond to your questions or concern so that you can get information quickly.

You shouldn't be surprised however, to occasionally receive a call from your physician when you least expect a doctor to be working such as on weekends or in the evenings.

My gynecologist recommended your office to help treat me urinary incontinence. Will you work closely with him/her to keep her abreast of what if happening?

Yes! All of our physicians have excellent working relationships with the doctors in the communities which we serve. Not only do we communicate with gynecologists regarding a patient's care in our office, we also communicate with pediatricians and primary care physician in the area about the care of their patient.

Are my medical files and information confidential?

Absolutely! We highly value the confidentiality of all of our patients and their medical and personal information. We never release information to anyone without your written consent.

Do you have other office locations besides the UroHealth Institute?

Yes! We also have satellite offices in Gibson City and Decatur.

I have a non-medical problem and I am not sure who to speak to.

Our office employs a Practice Administrator who oversees the business operations of the practice. Our current Administrator is Anne Thomas. We also have managers in each area of the practice such as billing, clinical, laboratory and insurance. Should you have any questions, problems or concerns of a non-medical nature and you need to speak to our administrator, you should feel free to contact her at (309) 888-4000 Ext. 22.

I belong to the local chamber of commerce and we are interested in having someone come in and talk to us about prostate cancer. Can a doctor in your group do that?

Yes! Our physicians frequently speak at Medical town meetings and other functions. We are always happy to provide information about a variety of topics relating to urology to the public. For information or to arrange a lecture, please contact our office at (309) 888-4000.

Billing Questions

Will you send claims to my secondary insurance?

Yes!

If I pay in full at the visit, will you still submit to insurance for me?

Absolutely!

What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, MC, Visa, Discover and Debit cards,

I need to speak to someone about my bill. Can I speak with someone in your office about it?

Yes! Unlike many medical offices who hire outside billing agencies, our billing is at the UroHealth Institute. She is generally available from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm to answer any billing questions you may have. Just call (309) 888-4000 and ask for billing. One of highly trained financial people will be happy to assist you.

Does my insurance pay for in office procedures?

While most in office procedures are covered by insurance, it is your responsibility to check with your plan for specific reimbursements, as each insurance contract is different.

What if I do not pay for my co-payment at the time of service?

Co-payments are required at the time of service. If co-payment is not made your account is subject to a billing fee.