For Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our patients ask most — about scheduling, insurance, and preparing for and recovering from procedures.
Appointments & Scheduling
How do I make an appointment?
Call our office at (909) 236-3333 or use the appointment request form on our contact page. Our staff will confirm your appointment and let you know what to bring.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
Many insurance plans — particularly HMO plans — require a referral or authorization from your primary care physician before we can schedule you. PPO patients can usually schedule directly. If you are not sure, call us and we will check for you.
How quickly can I be seen as a new patient?
Prompt access to care is a cornerstone of our practice. New patients with referrals for time-sensitive issues are usually scheduled within a week, and we reserve appointments every day for established patients with urgent concerns.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a complete list of your current medications and dosages, and any relevant records, lab results, or imaging from other providers. Arriving 15 minutes early gives you time to finish any remaining paperwork.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please call us as far in advance as you can so we can offer your appointment slot to another patient who needs to be seen.
Insurance & Billing
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major plans, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna. This is a partial list — please call our office to confirm your specific plan and coverage before your visit.
Will my insurance be verified before my appointment?
Yes. Our staff verifies your benefits before your visit whenever possible so there are no surprises. Any copay or deductible is collected at check-in.
Do you offer payment options for procedures?
Please contact our billing staff to discuss cost estimates and payment arrangements for planned procedures.
Before Your Procedure
Where do I find my pre-op instructions?
Printable instructions for each procedure are on our Patient Instructions page. Your care team will also review them with you and give you a copy.
Do I need to stop my blood thinners?
This depends on the procedure and on why you take the medication. Never stop a blood thinner on your own. Our team will coordinate with the physician who prescribes it and give you specific written instructions about when to stop and when to restart.
Can I eat or drink before my procedure?
For most in-office procedures you may eat normally. For anything involving sedation or general anesthesia, you will be given specific fasting instructions — typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Always follow the written instructions you were given.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, for any procedure involving sedation or anesthesia. Some in-office procedures also make driving uncomfortable afterward. Your pre-procedure instructions will say whether you need a driver.
What if I am sick the day of my procedure?
Call our office. A fever, active infection, or significant illness may mean the procedure needs to be rescheduled for your safety.
After Your Procedure
Is some blood in my urine normal?
After many urologic procedures, light pink or blood-tinged urine is expected and usually clears over several days as you drink fluids. Call us if the urine becomes dark red, contains clots, or if you have trouble urinating.
When should I call the office after a procedure?
Call us for a fever over 101°F, chills, inability to urinate, heavy bleeding or blood clots, severe or worsening pain not controlled by your medication, or redness, swelling, and drainage at an incision site. For chest pain, trouble breathing, or any life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
When can I go back to work and normal activity?
This varies widely by procedure — from the same day for many office procedures to several weeks after major surgery. Your written post-op instructions give the specific timeline for your procedure.
How do I get a refill on my pain or antibiotic prescription?
Contact our office or send a message through the patient portal. Please allow two business days for refill requests and do not wait until you have run out.
I have a catheter at home. What do I do?
Your discharge instructions include catheter care and the date it will come out. Call the office if the catheter stops draining, falls out, or if you develop fever or increasing pain.
Records, Results & Communication
How do I get my test results?
Results are posted to the patient portal as they become available, and your care team will contact you about anything that needs discussion or a change in your plan.
How do I request my medical records?
Contact our office and our staff will walk you through the records release process.
Can I message my provider between visits?
Yes — the patient portal is the best way to reach your care team with non-urgent questions. For anything urgent, please call the office directly at (909) 236-3333.
Still have a question?
Our staff is happy to help. For procedure-specific preparation and recovery, see our printable instruction sheets.