David Horovitz MD is a Southern California urologist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the prostate, kidneys, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive system. Based in Bakersfield, he leads a private practice that emphasizes minimally invasive care, including laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery for bladder, prostate, and kidney procedures. David Horovitz MD earned his medical degree at the University of Western Ontario and completed a two year fellowship in endourology and minimally invasive surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Urology and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His clinical background provides context for understanding what patients can expect during an initial consultation with a urology specialist.
What to Expect from a First Visit to a Urology Specialist
Urinary symptoms, bladder discomfort, or prostate changes can be quite bothersome and may prompt a referral to meet with a urological specialist. These physicians diagnose and treat conditions affecting the urinary tract and, in men, the reproductive system. Knowing what to expect during the first appointment can make the visit feel more comfortable.
Many people schedule this type of visit to address issues such as frequent urination, a slow or weak urinary stream, blood in the urine, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Others come in with kidney stones, cancers of the urinary tract or sexual health concerns. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, the first visit emphasizes careful evaluation in order to determine what additional tests or treatments may be necessary.
In order to better understand the picture behind a person’s symptoms, the urologist starts by taking a careful patient history of presenting illness and will review other clinical information such as prior surgeries, current medications, and any family history of genitourinary conditions. The intake appointment often includes questions about when symptoms occur, how they affect daily activities, and how much fluid the patient drinks. When medically relevant, the urologist may also ask about sexual history or other personal factors. This information helps reveal patterns that guide future testing.
With that background in mind, the urologist performs a focused physical exam. For men, the urologist may perform a prostate exam to assess for size and palpable abnormalities. For women, the urologist may recommend a pelvic exam when symptoms and history point to bladder pressure or pelvic floor involvement. These targeted checks help clarify possible sources of symptoms.
The urologist will often order initial diagnostic tests. A urine sample checks for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities. Depending on the concern, blood work may help evaluate kidney function, and the clinician may include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test as part of prostate evaluation in some cases. Often, imaging studies will be ordered and this includes various modalities including ultrasound, CT scans or MRI. Sometimes, functional studies such as nuclear medicine scans may be appropriate.
After reviewing these results, the urologist explains what the findings suggest. They may connect patterns in the tests to common conditions or highlight areas that warrant further evaluation. When initial results do not fully explain symptoms, the urologist may order more studies to solidify a diagnosis. The urologist may also discuss in-office procedures, such as cystoscopy, which uses a narrow scope to examine the urethra and bladder when more detail is needed.
Once the urologist has enough information to arrive at a working diagnosis, they will recommend a treatment plan. This plan may include different types of medications or procedures. If warranted, these procedures may be performed in the office, at an outpatient surgical center or at a hospital. In many cases, conservative is recommended which entails certain lifestyle and behavioral changes.
The follow-up phase allows the urologist to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. The timing of the next visit depends on the condition requiring treatment and whether the patient will require further diagnostic testing, treatment or monitoring of known conditions. This approach helps keep the care plan current and tailored to the patient’s needs.
A first urology visit sets a decision pathway for later care. When symptoms change or return, the urologist may compare new details with the baseline history, physical exam findings, and earlier test results. This type of continuity helps the clinician decide whether to repeat testing, add a different test, or adjust treatment without restarting the evaluation. The first visit serves as a reference point for efficient follow-up when ongoing care is needed.
About David Horovitz MD
David Horovitz MD is a Bakersfield based urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. He offers minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery and has hospital privileges at multiple medical centers in California. He earned his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario and completed advanced fellowship training in endourology and minimally invasive surgery at the University of Rochester. He is board certified and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
