Treatment plan
Unlike on television, medical diagnoses can sometimes be challenging to make after the initial visit. Medical professionals tend to have a “differential diagnosis”, that is, a list of the top two or three most common diagnoses likely to be responsible for the issue at hand. In order to prove which diagnosis is correct, the urology team will usually order some form of additional testing.
Bloodwork and urine tests are simple straight forward tests that often help direct management. These are often suggested to be done by the referring physician BEFORE your appointment so that the information is immediately available.
Imaging studies, like ultrasound, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine studies with or without associated biopsies, help with structural assessment of the urinary and genital tract. That allows for identification of any issues that might require surgical intervention.
Trials of medication are often used as if they help, they suggest that the presumptive diagnosis is correct. Also, sometimes medications work for multiple diagnoses, so even if the initial diagnosis is not spot-on, patients still get relief from their symptoms
There are functional tests that are sometimes done to help determine how the urinary tract works. Urodynamics is probably the most commonly used of these strategies, and it gives detailed information on how people void/pee. This is especially helpful if the imaging studies are unremarkable and the trials of medication are not as successful as one would have hoped.
Urologists are also surgeons, and sometimes surgical procedures are required to help treat urologic conditions. We will review these carefully with patients, explaining the rationale for the procedure, the other options available, and the potential risks and benefits.
We will often give patients additional information to read or access regarding the treatment plan, and offer follow-up opportunities for patients to return and discuss the situation to see how patients have done on the treatment plan. It is important to contact the urology team if there are any issues with the treatment plan, so that appropriate modifications can be made.