26 Nov Your First Urology Visit: What To Expect And How To Prepare
Your first visit to a urologist can feel uncertain, but having a clear plan can make everything easier. At Palmetto Adult and Children’s Urology, P.A., our goal is to help you arrive prepared, understand each step of the appointment, and leave with a practical next step.
This guide covers what happens before, during, and after your first visit, what to bring, how insurance and referrals work, common tests you may encounter, and how to choose the best clinic location for your needs.
To schedule or ask questions, call 843-797-6600.
How to Prepare for a Urologist Appointment
Proper preparation helps your visit go smoothly and ensures your provider has accurate information.
What to Bring
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Completed new patient forms (portal or printed)
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Photo ID
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Insurance card
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Current list of medications and supplements (include dosages)
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Relevant medical records, imaging reports, prior operative notes, or lab results (if available)
How to Describe Your Symptoms
Be ready to explain:
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When your symptoms started
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What worsens or improves them
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Any treatments you’ve already tried
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Your personal goals (e.g., pain relief, fewer nighttime bathroom trips, stone prevention)
What to Avoid Before Your Appointment
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Do not skip your usual medications unless advised by a doctor.
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Avoid excess caffeine, which can irritate the bladder.
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Try not to urinate immediately before arrival if a urine sample is expected.
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Stay hydrated, but not excessively.
Check-In, Paperwork, and the $150 New Patient Advance
Upon arrival:
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The front desk verifies your information, reviews your forms, and collects the $150.00 new patient advance.
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This amount is applied to your visit. Any remaining copay, deductible, or coinsurance is determined by your insurance.
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If the advance poses a hardship, call ahead to discuss arrangements.
Palmetto accepts most major insurance carriers and files primary and secondary claims on your behalf.
Do You Need a Referral? Does Medicare Cover Urology?
Referral Requirements
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Most patients do not need a referral to see a urologist at our practice.
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Some insurance plans do require a referral or prior authorization, so check your benefits or ask our team for guidance.
Medicare Coverage
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Medicare covers medically necessary urology visits, tests, and many procedures.
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Standard Medicare cost-sharing applies.
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Medicare Advantage plans may have network or referral requirements.
Bring your Medicare card to your visit; our staff can help with coding and claim submission.
What Happens at Your First Urology Visit
Your first visit centers on understanding your symptoms and developing a personalized treatment plan.
1. Nurse Intake
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Vital signs
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Medication and allergy review
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Symptom checklist
2. History and Physical Exam
Your urologist may ask about:
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Urinary symptoms
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Pain
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Sexual or reproductive concerns
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Prior infections or kidney stones
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Family history
A physical exam may include:
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Men: genital exam, and sometimes a digital rectal exam (DRE)
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Women: focused pelvic exam
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Pediatrics: age-appropriate and family-centered exams
3. In-Office Urinalysis
The most common test performed at a first visit, used to check for:
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Blood
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Infection
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Protein
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Stone risk indicators
4. Imaging or Lab Orders (If Needed)
Your provider may order:
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Ultrasound or CT scan
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PSA testing (when appropriate)
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Kidney function labs
5. Treatment Plan Discussion
You’ll review:
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Findings
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Diagnosis (if known)
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Lifestyle recommendations
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Medications
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Pelvic floor therapy
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Watchful waiting
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Referrals for surgical consultation (if indicated)
Most procedures are scheduled for a separate appointment, unless urgent.
Common Tests You May Encounter
Urinalysis
Quick results available in-office.
Urine Culture
Laboratory confirmation of infection.
Blood Tests
Kidney function, PSA, or other targeted labs.
Imaging
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Ultrasound for bladder and kidney evaluation
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CT scan for suspected kidney stones or complex conditions
If you are scheduled for surgery, you will receive pre-op instructions and support from our pre-admission team.
Choosing the Right Palmetto Location
Palmetto offers multiple locations across the Lowcountry. Choose based on:
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Proximity to home, work, or school
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Parking convenience
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Appointment availability
Locations include:
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North Charleston (Rivers Avenue & Tricom Street – Main Office)
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Nexton
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Summerville
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Walterboro
Call 843-797-6600 and our scheduling team will help you find the earliest appointment.
Patients searching for palmetto urology north charleston, urologist north charleston sc, or urology summerville sc can find updated information on our website.
When a Virtual Visit May Be Appropriate
Telemedicine may be suitable for:
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Follow-ups
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Prescription management
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Results review
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Counseling visits not requiring a physical exam
Before your virtual visit:
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Bring your medication list
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Sit in a quiet, well-lit location with good internet
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Expect to enter a virtual waiting room and give telehealth consent
If you have new pain, fever, or blood in the urine, an in-person visit may be recommended.
After Your Appointment
Before leaving, you will receive:
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Instructions that match your treatment plan
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Any prescriptions
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Lab or imaging orders
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Pelvic floor therapy guidance (if indicated)
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Surgical scheduling referral (if needed)
Use the patient portal to:
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View test results
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Access documents
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Message the care team with non-urgent questions
Quick Answers: Your First Urology Visit FAQ
How do I prepare?
Bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, complete portal forms, arrive early, and stay hydrated for a urine sample.
What will the urologist do?
Take a detailed history, perform a focused exam, run a urinalysis, order tests if necessary, and create a treatment plan.
Do I need a referral?
Usually no—but some insurance plans require it.
Does Medicare cover urologists?
Yes, with standard Medicare cost-sharing.
What is the most common test?
An in-office urinalysis.
What should I avoid?
Skipping regular meds (unless instructed), heavy caffeine, and urinating right before check-in.
Scheduling and Reminders
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Call 843-797-6600 to schedule.
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Choose the location most convenient for you.
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Ask about virtual visit eligibility.
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Bring required documents and arrive early.
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Be prepared for the $150 new patient advance (call ahead if it’s a hardship).
Summary
Your first urology visit should leave you informed and confident. Expect a focused history, exam, and in-office urinalysis, with imaging or labs ordered only when necessary. Referrals are typically not required unless your insurance mandates one, and Medicare covers medically necessary urology care. Choose the location that fits your daily routine, or ask about virtual visits for follow-ups.
For all scheduling and questions, call 843-797-6600.
We look forward to caring for you.