Finding the Right Urologist: Tips for Choosing the Best Care for Your Family

Every year, millions of Americans visit urology specialists for urologic diseases, relying on their specialists to provide safe, effective, appropriate care based on their unique needs. Considering the critical importance of urologic health, a lot rests on selecting the right urologist for your needs — but how do you make that choice?

Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology want every patient to feel confident in their urology care provider. In this post, Dr. Shtainer offers five important tips to help you choose the right urologist for your needs. 

1. Consider your insurance

Medical care isn’t inexpensive in the United States, so when beginning the search for a urologist or any doctor, it’s a good idea to check with your carrier to obtain a list of urologists covered under your plan. It’s worth noting, though, that while this can be a jumping-off point, the other items on this list are just as important.

While you’re checking with your provider, you can also check to see which urologists are affiliated with your local hospitals. If you have a problem that requires hospital care, you want to be sure your doctor has permission to practice there.

2. Get referrals and recommendations

Next, look for referrals and recommendations. You can ask your primary care doctor for a list or urologists, but many people prefer to consult with friends and family members to get a more “personalized” viewpoint. 

Our website features a page dedicated to patient testimonials, so you can develop an understanding of what to expect and feel more confident in your decision to visit our office for your care.

3. Evaluate credentials and experience

Once you have your initial list, it’s time to review each provider’s credentials and experience. Choosing a urologist who’s board certified is a must. Look for additional credentials, like the FACS fellowship designation, which means the doctor has met rigorous standards set by the American College of Surgeons(ACS). 

As a leading board-certified urologist and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Shtainer is dedicated to providing the most advanced care using state-of-the-art technology and expert techniques to accurately diagnose and treat problems affecting the genitourinary tract in men and women. In addition, Dr. Shtainer and his team offer natural remedies and minimally-invasive therapies for faster healing and reduced risk of complications.

4. Review location and hours

It bears saying that you’re more likely to seek care and continue with follow-up visits when visiting the doctor is easy and convenient. Check the practice website for their office locations and hours to make sure the office is within a reasonable travel distance, and to ensure they have hours that suit your schedule. 

At Adult and Pediatric Urology, we feature two locations to make it more convenient to get the care you need.

5. Schedule a “test run”

Once you’ve identified a potential candidate, schedule an office visit to talk with your doctor about your concerns. While there, evaluate the office space and the friendliness of the staff.

When talking to the doctor, pay attention to their communication style and whether they help you feel comfortable and at ease when discussing your health concerns. You want a provider who welcomes questions, listens carefully, and answers you clearly.

Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable sharing your health issues with the doctor, and you also want a provider who recognizes you as a partner in the decision-making process.

Your health is important

Your urologist plays a key role as a member of your personal healthcare team, so it’s important to spend some time selecting a provider who meets your needs and preferences. With 30 years of experience, Dr. Shtainer is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for optimal results.

To learn more about our practice or to schedule an initial visit, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, New York, today.