How to Find a Urologist Near You

Blood in your urine, persistent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or concerns about prostate health — these issues all point toward one specialist. If you are searching for a urologist near me, you are looking for a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), urologists treat conditions in patients of all ages and genders, though many people mistakenly assume they only see men. A large share of adults will experience a urological condition at some point in life. This guide walks you through what urologists treat, how to find the right one, costs to expect, and when a telehealth visit might be a smart first step.

What Does a Urologist Treat?

Urologists complete medical school followed by a five- to six-year surgical residency in urology — one of the most competitive residency programs in medicine. They are trained in both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, as well as non-surgical management of urological conditions.

Conditions treated by urologists include kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are recurrent or complicated, bladder infections and interstitial cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), prostate cancer screening and treatment, bladder cancer and kidney cancer, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, urinary incontinence in both men and women, kidney cysts and tumors, undescended testicles and other pediatric conditions, and pelvic organ prolapse. If you have been dealing with symptoms of kidney stones — severe flank pain, blood in urine, nausea — a urologist is the specialist who can determine whether the stone will pass on its own or requires intervention.

Urological subspecialties include urologic oncology (cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate, and testes), female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, pediatric urology, male infertility and andrology, endourology (minimally invasive stone and tumor treatment), and neurourology (bladder dysfunction related to neurological conditions).

When Should You See a Urologist?

Many urological symptoms overlap with conditions your primary care doctor can manage. A simple UTI in an otherwise healthy woman, for example, rarely requires a specialist. But certain scenarios should prompt a referral to urology.

See a urologist if you have:

• Blood in your urine (hematuria) — even once. Visible or microscopic blood in the urine should always be evaluated, because it can be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer as well as stones or infection. Do not assume it is “just a UTI.”
• Recurrent UTIs (for example, three or more in a year)
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream, or a weak stream
• Frequent urination that disrupts daily life or sleep
• Kidney stones that are large, recurrent, or causing obstruction
• An elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level
• Erectile dysfunction that does not respond to first-line treatments
• A testicular lump, swelling, or persistent pain
• Urinary incontinence that affects quality of life
• A family history of kidney, bladder, prostate, or testicular cancer

Screening guidance for prostate cancer emphasizes shared decision-making with your doctor rather than a single fixed age. The American Cancer Society suggests men discuss PSA screening with their doctor starting around age 50 for those at average risk, age 45 for those at higher risk (including African American men and men with a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65), and as early as age 40 for those at the highest risk. Professional urology guidance similarly frames screening as an individualized conversation, often centered on the 55-to-69 age range for average-risk men, with earlier discussion for higher-risk men. Talk with your clinician about what is right for you.

Telehealth vs In-Person Urology Visits

Urology has adapted well to telehealth, particularly for consultations and chronic condition management. Research published in the urology literature has found that patient satisfaction with telehealth urology visits can be comparable to in-person visits for appropriate use cases.

When Telehealth Works Well

Virtual urology visits are appropriate for initial consultations to discuss symptoms and determine next steps, medication management for BPH, overactive bladder, or erectile dysfunction, reviewing lab results (PSA levels, urinalysis, stone analysis), post-procedure follow-ups, kidney stone prevention counseling, and discussing surgical options or preparing for procedures. Telehealth is particularly valuable in urology because many patients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive symptoms — urinary issues, sexual dysfunction, incontinence — from the privacy of their own home.

When You Need an In-Person Visit

Physical examinations (digital rectal exam for prostate evaluation, testicular exam), urodynamic testing, cystoscopy (camera examination of the bladder), prostate biopsies, stone removal procedures (ureteroscopy, lithotripsy), and all surgeries require in-person visits. If a telehealth urologist determines you need further evaluation, they will schedule the appropriate in-office appointment or procedure. Any of the emergency symptoms above should go straight to in-person or emergency care, not a virtual visit.

How to Find a Urologist Near You

Finding a qualified urologist near you involves verifying credentials and, when procedures are involved, assessing experience with your specific condition.

The AUA’s Find a Urologist tool searches by location and subspecialty. Verify board certification through the American Board of Urology. Because the ABU requires ongoing recertification, current certification indicates the urologist is maintaining up-to-date knowledge. You can also check your state medical board for licensure status and any disciplinary history.

For surgical conditions, subspecialty training matters significantly. A urologic oncologist who focuses on robotic prostatectomy will often have different outcomes than a general urologist who performs the procedure occasionally. Surgical volume is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes in many urologic surgeries, so it is reasonable to ask how many of your specific procedure the surgeon performs annually. Research summarized by the NIH’s PubMed Central has associated higher-volume surgeons with lower complication rates and better functional outcomes for procedures such as radical prostatectomy.

Consider whether the practice offers comprehensive services. Some urology groups include advanced imaging, a pathology lab, radiation oncology, and physical therapy for pelvic floor conditions — reducing the number of separate appointments and facilities you need to visit. For female patients seeking help with incontinence or prolapse, look for a urologist or urogynecologist with fellowship training in female pelvic medicine. You can apply similar search strategies when looking for an orthopedic doctor or other specialists: confirm certification, match subspecialty to your problem, and weigh experience for any planned procedure.

Average Cost of a Urology Visit

Urology costs range from straightforward office visits to expensive surgical procedures. The ranges below are rough estimates that vary widely by region, facility, and whether a procedure is diagnostic or therapeutic; verify prices directly with the practice. They are informed by public data such as the CMS Physician Fee Schedule and cost-comparison tools.

An initial urology consultation without insurance often runs $200 to $450. Follow-up visits are typically $100 to $250. A PSA blood test may cost $20 to $50, and a urinalysis $15 to $50. Cystoscopy (an in-office procedure) can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on whether it is diagnostic or involves treatment. Urodynamic testing is commonly $500 to $2,000.

Surgical procedures carry higher costs. Kidney stone lithotripsy (shockwave treatment) is often $5,000 to $15,000 without insurance. Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for stones may run $7,000 to $20,000. Robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer can reach $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Vasectomy — one of the simpler urological procedures — is typically $500 to $2,000 without insurance.

With insurance, expect specialist copays that commonly fall in the $40 to $80 range for office visits, with surgical costs depending on your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Telehealth urology consultations often cost roughly $100 to $200 without insurance. If you are uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts and whether the practice offers payment plans for larger procedures.

Preparing for Your First Urology Appointment

Many patients feel anxious about their first urology visit, particularly regarding what the physical exam might involve. Knowing what to expect can ease that anxiety. For men, the visit may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the prostate — this takes only seconds and, while uncomfortable, is generally not painful. For both men and women, the doctor may examine the abdomen, flanks, and genitalia depending on the presenting complaint. A urine sample is almost always collected, so it can help to arrive with a reasonably full bladder.

Bring a complete medication list, including supplements — many over-the-counter products affect urinary function. Alpha-blockers, antihistamines, decongestants, and certain blood pressure medications can all influence urination patterns. Note the timing and severity of your symptoms: how many times do you urinate per day and night? Is there urgency, hesitancy, or pain? Is there blood in your urine, and if so, how often? For men with erectile dysfunction concerns, be prepared to discuss when the problem started, whether onset was gradual or sudden, and whether morning erections are still present — this information helps distinguish between physical and psychological causes.

Questions to Ask Your Urologist

Urology often involves sensitive topics, and a good urologist will create a comfortable environment for discussion. Do not let embarrassment prevent you from asking important questions. Bring a list of all medications (including supplements), a summary of your symptoms with a timeline, and any previous test results.

Key questions to ask: What is causing my symptoms, and do I need tests to confirm the diagnosis? Are there lifestyle changes or medications that could resolve this before considering surgery? If a procedure is recommended, what are the alternatives, and what happens if I delay or decline? How many of this specific procedure do you perform per year? What are the risks, and how do you handle complications? Will this condition affect my sexual function, and if so, what can be done? How long is recovery, and what restrictions should I expect?

For prostate cancer patients, ask about active surveillance as an option for low-risk cancers, the surgeon’s nerve-sparing technique and continence rates after surgery, and whether radiation therapy might be equally effective for your specific cancer stage and grade. These are complex decisions, and a second opinion is standard practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do women see urologists?

Yes. While urologists treat conditions of the male reproductive system, they also manage urinary tract conditions in women, including recurrent UTIs, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, kidney stones, and pelvic organ prolapse. Some urologists subspecialize in female pelvic medicine. Urogynecologists (gynecologists with pelvic floor training) are another option for women with these conditions.

At what age should men start seeing a urologist?

There is no universal age. Prostate cancer screening is generally framed as a shared-decision conversation with your doctor — often starting around age 50 for average-risk men and earlier (45, or even 40) for higher-risk men. Beyond screening, see a urologist at any age if you develop urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, testicular concerns, or kidney stones.

What happens during a first urology visit?

Your first visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The urologist will review your medical history, ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical exam. For men, this may include a digital rectal exam to check the prostate. They may order blood work (PSA, kidney function), urinalysis, or imaging (ultrasound, CT scan). Some offices perform a basic bladder ultrasound to check for residual urine.

How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?

Recurrence prevention depends on the type of stone. In general, drinking enough fluid to stay well hydrated (guidelines often target producing at least about 2.5 liters of urine daily) is one of the most effective strategies, according to AUA guidelines. Your urologist may also recommend dietary changes (such as reducing sodium and moderating animal protein), specific medications where appropriate, and a 24-hour urine analysis to identify metabolic risk factors. Discuss any medication with your clinician rather than self-treating.

Do I need a referral to see a urologist?

It depends on your insurance. Many PPO plans allow you to self-refer to a specialist, while HMO plans often require a referral from your primary care doctor first. Check your plan’s rules before booking so the visit is covered. Cash-pay and telehealth urology services typically do not require a referral.

The Bottom Line

A urologist is the right specialist for any persistent or concerning urinary or male reproductive issue. When choosing a provider, board certification is the baseline — subspecialty fellowship training and surgical volume are what separate good outcomes from great ones. Telehealth works well for initial consultations and ongoing management, making it easier to take that first step on sensitive topics. Do not ignore symptoms like blood in your urine or changes in urination patterns, and treat inability to urinate or sudden severe testicular pain as emergencies. Early evaluation leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes across nearly every urological condition.

Sources

• American Urological Association — Find a Urologist tool and clinical guidelines
• American Board of Urology — board certification verification
• American Cancer Society — prostate cancer screening recommendations
• MedlinePlus / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — hematuria, kidney stones, and BPH
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — Physician Fee Schedule