The information on the Medical Costs Finder is a guide only and should not be used as a quote or medical diagnosis.

Urology

Area of medical practice that treats health conditions of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract - also manages male reproductive health conditions

Procedures:

Cystoscopy (small bladder tumour resection)

Surgery using a specialised tube to look inside the bladder. A tumour or other growth (cancerous or non-cancerous) is removed by cutting, heat or laser.

Cystoscopy inspection only

A procedure using a specialised tube to look inside the bladder and the lower urinary tract. This may involve widening of the tract. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.

Cystoscopy with biopsy (examine bladder)

A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is used to look at the inside of the bladder. A sample of abnormal or unusual tissue is removed for testing.

Dialysis

A regular procedure that helps filter the blood when the kidneys are not working correctly. There are two types - haemodialysis where a machine is used, or peritoneal dialysis where the lining of the abdomen is used.

Holmium laser ablation (removal of tissue for enlarged prostate - HoLEP)

A procedure using a laser to reduce the size of the prostate. At the same time, a specialised tube may be used to look inside the bladder or the urinary tract.

Male contraception (e.g. vasectomy)

Surgery to cut one or both tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. It is done to prevent future pregnancies.

Partial nephrectomy

Surgery to remove part of the kidney. This is usually performed to treat conditions such as cancer.

Prostatectomy (transurethral resection of the prostate/TURP)

Surgery using a specialised tube and heat to remove part of the prostate. Usually to relieve a blockage. The most common procedure is TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).

Radical nephrectomy

Surgery to remove the kidney. This is usually performed to treat conditions such as cancer.

Stone procedures (pyeloscopy)

A procedure using a specialised tube to remove or break down two or more stones in the body. The procedure can be combined with items such as imaging or insertion of stents. It is often done as a staged procedure and may need to be repeated several times.

Total prostatectomy

Surgery to remove the whole prostate. This is usually performed to treat conditions such as cancer. The surgeon rebuilds the base of the bladder.

Total prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy

Surgery to remove the whole prostate and lymph nodes of the pelvis. This is usually performed to treat conditions such as cancer. The surgeon rebuilds the base of the bladder.

Transperineal prostate biopsy

A procedure using a needle to take samples of the prostate for testing (biopsy). An ultrasound guides the needle, which passes through the skin between the legs.

Transrectal prostate biopsy

A procedure using a needle to take samples of the prostate for testing (biopsy). An ultrasound guides the needle, which passes through the rectum.

Transurethral needle ablation (removal of tissue for enlarged prostate - TUNA)

A procedure using radio waves to reduce the size of the prostate. A specialised tube may be used to look inside the bladder or the urinary tract.

Visual laser ablation (removal of tissue for enlarged prostate)

A procedure using a laser to reduce the size of the prostate. A specialised tube may be used to look inside the bladder or the urinary tract.

Services:

Diagnostic imaging services
MBS item 55039

An ultrasound scan of the urinary tract. The scan was not requested by another medical practitioner.

MBS item 55085

An ultrasound scan of the bladder. The scan was not requested by another medical practitioner.

MBS item 55282

A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through blood vessels of the penis (cavernosal artery). This is to help diagnose problems with maintaining an erection (impotence).

MBS item 55600

An ultrasound scan of the prostate, base of bladder and lower urinary tract (urethra).

MBS item 55603

An ultrasound scan of the prostate, base of bladder and lower urinary tract (urethra).

Diagnostic procedures and investigations
MBS item 11900

Tests to help diagnose problems with the urinary system (urine flow study, peak urine flow).

MBS item 11917

A procedure to measure pressure in the bladder (cystometrography), as well as an ultrasound of one or more parts of the urinary tract. This is to check the size of the bladder and how well it is working.

MBS item 11919

A procedure to measure pressure in the bladder (cystometrography) as well as using an X ray (cystourethrography) to check how well it is working.

Professional attendances
Follow-up specialist appointment

A follow-up appointment with a specialist at their rooms or in-hospital. The specialist may provide additional services which may have their own costs.

Initial specialist appointment

The first appointment with a specialist at their rooms.

MBS item 00871

A meeting with a GP or specialist and at least 3 other medical professionals and allied health providers. The meeting is to develop a treatment plan for a patient with cancer, The meeting is 10 minutes or longer.

MBS item 00872

A meeting with a GP or specialist and at least 4 medical professionals and allied health providers. The meeting is to develop a treatment plan for a person with cancer, and is 10 minutes or longer.

MBS item 91822

The first appointment with a specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment is by telehealth and is longer than 5 minutes.

MBS item 91823

A follow up appointment with a specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment is by telehealth and is longer than 5 minutes.

MBS item 91833

A follow up appointment with a specialist. The appointment is by telehealth and is for more than 5 minutes.

Therapeutic procedures
Cystoscopy inspection only

A procedure using a specialised tube to look inside the bladder and the lower urinary tract. This may involve widening of the tract. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.

MBS item 14206

A procedure to insert a hormone or tissue into the body through vein using a thin tube (cannula).

MBS item 18262

Injection of an anaesthetic into one or more nerves around the thigh and genital area (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, genitofemoral).

MBS item 18264

Injection of an anaesthetic into one or more nerves around the genital area (pudendal, dorsal).

MBS item 30628

Surgery to remove a swelling (hydrocele) caused by fluid around the testicle/s.

MBS item 36665

A procedure using electrodes and an electrical device on nerves. This is done by a doctor to help with bladder problems of urine flow and storage.

MBS item 36671

Initial treatment for an overactive bladder by a specialist using low dose electrical stimulation of a nerve located in the ankle (percutaneous tibial). The patient cannot have other treatments such as Botox injections or anticholinergic agents. Initial treatment of 12 sessions over a 3 month period.

MBS item 36672

Tapering treatment (after the initial treatment) for an overactive bladder by a specialist using low dose electrical stimulation of the percutaneous tibial nerve located in the ankle. Treatment will be used for patients who are not suitable for other treatments such as Botox injections or anticholinergic agents. Patient has achieved at least 50% reduction in overactive bladder symptoms.

MBS item 36673

Maintenance treatment (after the initial treatment) for an overactive bladder using low dose electrical stimulation of a nerve in the ankle (percutaneous tibial). Symptoms have improved by 50%.

MBS item 36800

A procedure to insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the bladder.

MBS item 36833

A procedure to remove an artificial tube (stent) from the tubes draining the kidneys, or to remove a foreign body. A specialised tube is used to see inside the bladder (cystoscope).

MBS item 37217

Surgery to insert small pieces of metal in the prostate (radio opaque fiducial markers) to show the areas that need treatment.

MBS item 37300

A procedure to widen the tube that carries urine (urethra).

MBS item 37303

A procedure to widen the lower urinary tract (dilatation) which has become narrow from scar tissue (stricture).

MBS item 37415

A procedure involving injection into the penis to understand and treat problems with erection (impotence). This is for two services in 36 months.

MBS item 37623

Surgery to cut one or both tubes that carry sperm from the testicles (vasotomy, vasectomy). This surgery prevents pregnancy. There are strict legal requirements about this surgery in persons under the age of 18. Medicare may not pay any money towards the surgery if the law is not followed.