Where the first visit happens
You can start at our Sandy Springs Clinic & Surgery Center, 1450 S Johnson Ferry Road, or at our Decatur Clinic, 2711 Irvin Way. Sandy Springs can often keep a later procedure in the same building. Decatur is a consult and testing office; procedures from that clinic are scheduled at Sandy Springs or Snellville.
Who you may meet
At Sandy Springs, the official office page lists urologists and advanced practice clinicians. At Decatur, the official office page lists physician assistants, who work with our urologists in the same practice. If you want the first appointment to be with a named urologist, say so when you book and we will look at the Sandy Springs calendar. Meet them on our physicians page.
What happens in the room
We will ask what brought you in, review medicines and prior testing, and examine you when that would help. A urine test, a blood draw, or an in-clinic ultrasound may be part of the work-up; we will tell you at the visit which of those we will schedule, without promising they will all happen during that first appointment. If a scope test, a biopsy, or a procedure is a reasonable next step, we will explain why, what recovery usually looks like, and how it is scheduled. You should leave knowing what we think so far and what comes next.
How to prepare
The full packing list is on our insurance and what to bring page. In short: a government-issued identification, your insurance card if you have coverage, a medicine list, and copies or discs of recent imaging and lab work. Write down the questions you do not want to forget. Eat and take regular medicines as you usually do unless we have told you otherwise for a planned procedure.
When to go to an emergency department instead
A first visit is for planned care. If you cannot pass urine, have heavy bleeding, a high fever with urinary symptoms, or pain so strong no position helps, call 911 or go to an emergency department now.
Questions people ask
How long will I be here?
It depends on the testing we add. Plan for a standard office visit, and allow extra time if we draw labs or perform an ultrasound. We will not invent a minute count on this page.
Will I have a procedure on the first day?
Usually no. The first visit is to understand the problem and agree on a plan. A procedure is scheduled after that conversation. If something cannot wait, we will tell you whether it belongs in an emergency department or in a setting equipped to handle it, rather than promising it will be done during that first visit.
Do I need a referral?
Many people can call us directly. A few insurance plans want a primary-care referral on file. If you are not sure, bring the card and we will help you look at what your plan requires. We do not post plan lists or dollar amounts on this site.
Can a family member come with me?
Yes, if you want someone in the room. Tell the front desk when you check in.
What if I need to change the appointment?
Call 678-344-8900 as soon as you know you cannot keep the time, and we will look at the next opening at Sandy Springs or Decatur. If symptoms have changed — you cannot pass urine, you have heavy bleeding, or a high fever has started — call 911 or go to an emergency department rather than waiting for a new slot. Bring the same photo ID, insurance information if you carry it, and medicine list to the rescheduled visit.
Related: insurance and what to bring, our offices, after an abnormal result.