What to Know About Telehealth With a Urologist

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen to UseBenefits and ChallengesHow to PrepareWhat to Expect

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

When to Use

Benefits and Challenges

How to Prepare

What to Expect

Urologyis a field well suited for telehealth, with practitioners utilizing it for the complete spectrum of adult and pediatric consultations, preoperative and postoperative evaluations, and routine care for skilled nursing home residents.

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This allows urologists to remotely treat a broad range of urologic conditions affecting the male and female urinary tracts and male reproductive organs. This includes preliminary assessment of infections, obstructions, incontinence, congenital malformations, traumatic injuries, male sexual dysfunction, and urinary tract cancers.

According to the American Urological Association, roughly 62% of counties in the United States have no urologists, while fewer than one in 10 urologists practice in rural communities.

When to Use Telehealth With a Urologist

While many aspects of urology require a traditional hands-on examination, there are numerous conditions and phases of treatment that can be managed as effectively with a telehealth consultation.

In some cases, the initial online consultation might precede a hands-on exam, allowing doctors to review symptoms and medical history before ordering next-step procedures. At other times, a urologic condition can be diagnosed and treated entirely online.

A telehealth appointment with a urologist may be appropriate in the following situations:

You Will Need to Be Seen in Person If…

If experiencing symptoms like these, go to your nearest emergency room, as they are considered urological emergencies.

Telehealth services have their benefits and limitations and may not be appropriate for everyone. In the end, there are times when a telehealth visit is extremely useful and others in which a physical exam is crucial to rendering the correct diagnosis.

Benefits

Telemedicine is now being used across many urology subspecialties, expanding the reach of a medical practice and the volume of patients a urologist can see.

Among some of the benefits of a telehealth urology visit:

Audiovisual vs. Audio-Only TelehealthTelehealth includes both audiovisual and audio-only consultations. With that said, Medicare and Medicaid cover only certain audio-only visits (typicallydiabetes management,speech therapy, psychotherapy,smoking cessation, alcohol/opioid treatment, and certain prolonged care services).Call your insurance provider or the Medicare and Medicaid hotline at 800-633-4227 to determine if an audio-only consultation is covered.

Audiovisual vs. Audio-Only Telehealth

Telehealth includes both audiovisual and audio-only consultations. With that said, Medicare and Medicaid cover only certain audio-only visits (typicallydiabetes management,speech therapy, psychotherapy,smoking cessation, alcohol/opioid treatment, and certain prolonged care services).Call your insurance provider or the Medicare and Medicaid hotline at 800-633-4227 to determine if an audio-only consultation is covered.

Telehealth includes both audiovisual and audio-only consultations. With that said, Medicare and Medicaid cover only certain audio-only visits (typicallydiabetes management,speech therapy, psychotherapy,smoking cessation, alcohol/opioid treatment, and certain prolonged care services).

Call your insurance provider or the Medicare and Medicaid hotline at 800-633-4227 to determine if an audio-only consultation is covered.

What to Know About Female Urological Conditions

Challenges

Despite the high levels of acceptance among consumers, telehealth services are not without their limitations. This is particularly true in urology, where subtle symptoms often point the doctor in the right direction.

Among some of the things that can undermine a telehealth urology visit:

Although certain state regulations were relaxed in response to COVID-19, such as the issuance of waivers for in-state licensing of telehealth providers, it is unclear how long (or if) these measures will last.

State laws pertaining to the prescribing of medications can vary, with some states requiring a hands-on exam before certain drugs can be prescribed.Check the laws in your state before a telehealth visit so that you are aware of any restrictions.

Because urologic telehealth is still in its infancy, the long-term outcomes of care—particularly with respect to cancer and traumatic injuries—have yet to be established when compared with traditional in-person care.

Prescription Drugs Commonly Used in Urology

How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit With a Urologist

Some preparation is needed before scheduling a telehealth visit with a urologist. If you already have a urologist, they will be able to tell you if a telehealth appointment is appropriate for your condition.

If you don’t yet have a urologist, you can ask yourfamily doctor,gynecologist, orpediatricianfor a referral and request an initial telehealth appointment.

Finding a telehealth doctor is only the first step in preparing for an online visit. In addition, you will need to:

Telehealth providers must comply with the same regulations regarding patient confidentiality outlined in theHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This includes utilizing secure portals to interact and share electronic files.

Will Insurance Cover Telehealth With a Urologist?

Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services. WithOriginal Medicare, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor or health provider’s services, and thedeductibleapplies.

Medicare Advantage Plans may offer more telehealth benefits than Original Medicare. Check your plan to see what telehealth services are offered.

Telehealth benefits for those with private insurance, including employer-sponsored insurance, can also vary. While more private health insurers are offering telehealth benefits forprimaryorurgent care, they may not do the same for specialists like urologists.

If you have private insurance, check that the telehealth provider is covered, whether they arein-networkorout-of-network, and what the copay or coinsurance costs will be.

What Happens During the Visit

At its heart, a urology telehealth visit is the same as an in-office visit, albeit without the means for a physical exam.

Oftentimes, the office will call you shortly in advance of the appointment to confirm that you are ready or to let you know if they are running behind. They may also take prepayment with a credit or debit card.

When it is time for your consultation, the appointment will follow the same basic steps as any other telehealth appointment:

Telehealth, What It Is, and Its Pros and Cons

A Word From Verywell

Telehealth, initially seen as a way to alleviate the burden ofCOVID-19 on hospitals, is today revolutionizing health care as we know it. It is not only attractive to patients, offering convenience at generally lower costs, but allows specialists like urologists to reach underserved communities and housebound residents.

Even so, telehealth is not a one-size-fits-all substitute for in-office care. If you are experiencing signs of a urological emergency,do notturn to telehealth services. Seek emergency care without delay.

6 Urological Emergencies You Should Know

18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gadzinski AJ, Ellimoottil C.Telehealth in urology after the COVID-19 pandemic.Nat Rev Urol.2020;17:363-4. doi:10.1038/s41585-020-0336-6Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.American Urological Association.Telemedicine in urology.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(2):373-385. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Research anthology: Telehealth and telemedicine.Kichloo A, Albosta M, Dettloff K, et al.Telemedicine, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the future: A narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA.Fam Med Community Health. 2020;8(3):e000530. doi:10.1136/fmch-2020-000530Medicare.gov.Your Medicare coverage: Telehealth.Novaro G, Checcucci E, Crestani A, et al.Telehealth in urology: A systematic review of the literature. How much can telemedicine be useful during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?Eur Urol. 2020;78(6):786-811. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.025Medicare.gov.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.Crock Bauerly B, McCord RF, Hulkower R, Pepin D.Broadband access as a public health issue: The role of law in expanding broadband access and connecting underserved communities for better health outcomes.J Law Med Ethics. 2019;47(2 Suppl):39-42. doi:10.1177/1073110519857314Fogel AL, Kvedar JC.Reported cases of medical malpractice in direct-to-consumer telemedicine.JAMA. 2019;2;321(13):1309-10. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0395Urology Times.State telemedicine rules relaxed during COVID-19 crisis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription drug physical examination requirements.Telehealth.HHS.gov.Finding telehealth options.Office of Civil Rights/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.FAQs on telehealth and HIPAA during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.Medicare.gov.Telehealth.Medicaid.gov.Telehealth.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;102(2):373-85. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013

18 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gadzinski AJ, Ellimoottil C.Telehealth in urology after the COVID-19 pandemic.Nat Rev Urol.2020;17:363-4. doi:10.1038/s41585-020-0336-6Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.American Urological Association.Telemedicine in urology.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(2):373-385. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Research anthology: Telehealth and telemedicine.Kichloo A, Albosta M, Dettloff K, et al.Telemedicine, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the future: A narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA.Fam Med Community Health. 2020;8(3):e000530. doi:10.1136/fmch-2020-000530Medicare.gov.Your Medicare coverage: Telehealth.Novaro G, Checcucci E, Crestani A, et al.Telehealth in urology: A systematic review of the literature. How much can telemedicine be useful during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?Eur Urol. 2020;78(6):786-811. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.025Medicare.gov.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.Crock Bauerly B, McCord RF, Hulkower R, Pepin D.Broadband access as a public health issue: The role of law in expanding broadband access and connecting underserved communities for better health outcomes.J Law Med Ethics. 2019;47(2 Suppl):39-42. doi:10.1177/1073110519857314Fogel AL, Kvedar JC.Reported cases of medical malpractice in direct-to-consumer telemedicine.JAMA. 2019;2;321(13):1309-10. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0395Urology Times.State telemedicine rules relaxed during COVID-19 crisis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription drug physical examination requirements.Telehealth.HHS.gov.Finding telehealth options.Office of Civil Rights/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.FAQs on telehealth and HIPAA during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.Medicare.gov.Telehealth.Medicaid.gov.Telehealth.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;102(2):373-85. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Gadzinski AJ, Ellimoottil C.Telehealth in urology after the COVID-19 pandemic.Nat Rev Urol.2020;17:363-4. doi:10.1038/s41585-020-0336-6Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.American Urological Association.Telemedicine in urology.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(2):373-385. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Research anthology: Telehealth and telemedicine.Kichloo A, Albosta M, Dettloff K, et al.Telemedicine, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the future: A narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA.Fam Med Community Health. 2020;8(3):e000530. doi:10.1136/fmch-2020-000530Medicare.gov.Your Medicare coverage: Telehealth.Novaro G, Checcucci E, Crestani A, et al.Telehealth in urology: A systematic review of the literature. How much can telemedicine be useful during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?Eur Urol. 2020;78(6):786-811. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.025Medicare.gov.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.Crock Bauerly B, McCord RF, Hulkower R, Pepin D.Broadband access as a public health issue: The role of law in expanding broadband access and connecting underserved communities for better health outcomes.J Law Med Ethics. 2019;47(2 Suppl):39-42. doi:10.1177/1073110519857314Fogel AL, Kvedar JC.Reported cases of medical malpractice in direct-to-consumer telemedicine.JAMA. 2019;2;321(13):1309-10. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0395Urology Times.State telemedicine rules relaxed during COVID-19 crisis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription drug physical examination requirements.Telehealth.HHS.gov.Finding telehealth options.Office of Civil Rights/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.FAQs on telehealth and HIPAA during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.Medicare.gov.Telehealth.Medicaid.gov.Telehealth.Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;102(2):373-85. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013

Gadzinski AJ, Ellimoottil C.Telehealth in urology after the COVID-19 pandemic.Nat Rev Urol.2020;17:363-4. doi:10.1038/s41585-020-0336-6

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.

American Urological Association.Telemedicine in urology.

Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(2):373-385. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Research anthology: Telehealth and telemedicine.

Kichloo A, Albosta M, Dettloff K, et al.Telemedicine, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the future: A narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA.Fam Med Community Health. 2020;8(3):e000530. doi:10.1136/fmch-2020-000530

Medicare.gov.Your Medicare coverage: Telehealth.

Novaro G, Checcucci E, Crestani A, et al.Telehealth in urology: A systematic review of the literature. How much can telemedicine be useful during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?Eur Urol. 2020;78(6):786-811. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.025

Medicare.gov.Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet.

Crock Bauerly B, McCord RF, Hulkower R, Pepin D.Broadband access as a public health issue: The role of law in expanding broadband access and connecting underserved communities for better health outcomes.J Law Med Ethics. 2019;47(2 Suppl):39-42. doi:10.1177/1073110519857314

Fogel AL, Kvedar JC.Reported cases of medical malpractice in direct-to-consumer telemedicine.JAMA. 2019;2;321(13):1309-10. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0395

Urology Times.State telemedicine rules relaxed during COVID-19 crisis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription drug physical examination requirements.

Telehealth.HHS.gov.Finding telehealth options.

Office of Civil Rights/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.FAQs on telehealth and HIPAA during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.

Medicare.gov.Telehealth.

Medicaid.gov.Telehealth.

Manjunath AS, Hofer MD.Urologic emergencies.Med Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;102(2):373-85. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.013

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