Snellville & Conyers
Your first visit with our urologists
Knowing what happens next takes a lot of the worry out of a first urology visit. Here is how a typical new-patient visit goes at our Snellville and Conyers offices.
What happens at a first urology visit?
You check in, talk through your symptoms and history, have a focused exam, and leave with a plan. Simple tests are often done during the same appointment.
- Check-in. Bring your ID, insurance card and medicine list (full list here).
- Your story. When it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you have tried.
- A focused exam. Just what your concern calls for, explained before it happens.
- Quick tests. A urine test is common. Depending on the concern you may also have a bladder scan, a PSA blood draw or an ultrasound.
- The plan. What we think is going on, what else we need to know, and your choices.
Which tests might I have?
Most first visits include a urine test, and many include one or two more. We explain each test before it is done.
- Bladder scan: a quick ultrasound over the lower belly that shows how much urine is left after you go.
- PSA blood test: for men with prostate symptoms or a PSA question. See high PSA and biopsy.
- Cystoscopy: a look inside the bladder with a thin scope, usually scheduled as its own visit. See blood in the urine.
- Imaging: a CT scan or ultrasound for stones or a kidney mass. See kidney stones.
How should I prepare?
Write down your symptoms, your questions and every medicine you take, and gather any outside test results. If you have bladder symptoms, a three-day bladder diary is one of the most useful things you can bring.
A bladder diary is simple: note what you drink, when you urinate, and any leaks or urgent moments. It helps our urologists see patterns, especially for overactive bladder and leakage.
Which office will I go to?
You can be seen at either office. The Snellville office at 1557 Janmar Road, just off Highway 78, is also a surgery center. The Conyers clinic on Wellbrook Circle is near Highway 138 and I-20.
What happens after the visit?
You leave knowing the next step, whether that is a test, a medicine, a follow-up visit or a procedure. If test results come later, our team follows up with you.
What do people ask about a first visit?
How long does a first visit take?
Plan for the check-in, a conversation, a short exam and any quick tests. We will tell you if a longer test needs its own appointment.
Should I come with a full bladder?
It helps to be able to give a urine sample, so try not to empty your bladder right before you arrive unless we have told you otherwise.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Many patients bring a spouse, partner or friend to help remember the plan.
Will I see a urologist or a physician assistant?
Either may see you. Our physician assistants and nurse practitioners work with our urologists, and a urologist handles any surgery.
What if I need a procedure?
Many outpatient procedures are done at the Advanced Urology surgery center in Snellville. If you need a hospital-based operation, your team tells you where and how to prepare.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans ask for a referral or prior approval before a specialist visit, so check with your plan before you come.
More from Advanced Urology: Insurance and financial assistance
Ready to talk it through?
Get to know our team, then give us a call. We’ll gladly find a day and time that work for you.