Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

What is a urologist?

4-minute read

A urologist is a specialist surgeon who treats men, women and children with problems of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. These conditions include cancer, stones, infection, incontinence, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems.

What training do urologists have?

Urologists complete at least 5 years of specialist training after they become doctors.

In Australia, most urologists are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, with the letters FRACS after their name.

What conditions do urologists treat?

Urologists specialise in treating a range of urinary tract problems in men, women and children, including:

They can also treat problems specific to men, including:

Some urologists are sub-specialists in particular areas. For example, a paediatric urologist specialises in urinary and reproductive system disorders in children and teenagers.

Other sub-specialities include:

  • robotic surgery, where the urologist uses three-dimensional images and computer-controlled surgical instruments
  • laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and special surgical tools, including miniature video cameras

Where do urologists work?

Urologists see their patients in a clinic or a surgery. Many operate both in public and private hospitals.

How do I find a urologist?

Ask your doctor, close friends or family to recommend a good urologist. You can find a urologist near you by searching the healthdirect service finder.

How much will a urologist cost?

The cost can vary a lot, depending on the type of care you receive, whether it’s in hospital, whether you have private health insurance and on what the urologist charges.

Out of hospital care

If you see a urologist in their rooms, then Medicare will cover:

  • all of the costs if they bulk bill
  • some of the costs if they don’t bulk bill

You can’t use private health insurance for out of hospital care.

Treatment in a public hospital using Medicare

If you are treated in a public hospital or clinic and use Medicare, it is free. Medicare covers all costs.

Treatment in any hospital using private health insurance

If you use private health insurance to be treated in either in a public hospital or a private hospital or clinic, you will be charged by the urologist and by the hospital. You might also be charged for pathology tests, x-rays and other forms of imaging, and by other doctors you see, such as an anaesthetist. Your private health insurance will cover some of these costs.

Asking about costs

It can be expensive to see specialists. Before you go for the first time, ask the urologist or their staff about the costs. You can also ask what Medicare will cover.

If you plan to use private health insurance, you can also contact your health fund.

If the costs are too high, you can:

  • ask the urologist or their staff about a reduction
  • consider another specialist, such as a gynaecologist, or a health service
  • talk to your GP about alternative treatment options

It is important to get a referral from your GP to see a urologist. That way, your doctor can pass on useful information, and the urologist can later tell your doctor about your visit. Also, if you don’t have a referral, neither Medicare nor private health insurance will contribute to the cost of your care.

For more information

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

What is a urologist? Introduction and information about urologists | myVMC

Urologists are specialists who treat people for problems and diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They treat men, women and children.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Urologist - Better Health Channel

A urologist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Urologist: parent & kids guide | Raising Children Network

A urologist can help when children have problems with their kidneys, bladder or genitalia, and when children have persistent UTIs. Find out more.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Which health professional? · Where to get help · Pelvic Floor First

Continence professionals are registered health professionals who work in the area of bladder and bowel health.

Read more on Continence Foundation of Australia website

Continence health professionals | Continence Foundation of Australia

Visiting a health professional can be confusing, we explain about the most common health professionals that can help with incontinence & bladder & bowel problems.

Read more on Continence Foundation of Australia website

Prostate cancer | Guide to best cancer care | Cancer Council

Access our prostate cancer guide to help you with what questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step

Read more on Cancer Council Australia website

Urethrogram - InsideRadiology

A urethrogram is an examination of the urethra by X-ray imaging, almost always carried out on males. This information sheet relates to the procedure being carried out on a male.

Read more on InsideRadiology website

Bladder Cancer - Cancer Council Victoria

Understand bladder cancer with an overview of non-muscle-invasive and muscle invasive tumours. Read More.

Read more on Cancer Council Victoria website

Diagnosing prostate cancer - Cancer Council Victoria

There is no single, simple test to detect prostate cancer. Two commonly used tests are the PSA blood test and the digital rectal examination.

Read more on Cancer Council Victoria website

UTIs in children & teens | Raising Children Network

Many children get urinary tract infections. UTI symptoms include stinging when urinating, an urge to urinate often, or wetting. Your child needs to see a GP.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.