Our nurse practitioners are highly qualified advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)

Sometimes when patients call to make an appointment, our schedulers suggest they see one of our nurse practitioners, or NPs. Our Houston urologists also sometimes refer patients to NPs for follow-up appointments, continuing care and treatment. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). That means that they are registered nurses with additional graduate medical training. They are nationally certified and recognized as health care providers, and they are a valuable addition to our urology team.

What do NPs do?

Like our urologists, our NPs focus on urologic problems and issues that occur with patients’ bladders, urethras, ureters and kidneys, as well as their reproductive systems. Advanced practice nurses perform many tasks throughout their day.

1. They consult with patients. Our NPs do everything from diagnosing UTIs and overactive bladder to managing erectile dysfunction and other common urologic issues.
2. They work with our team to develop treatment plans. Everyone from our nurse practitioners to our radiologists and oncologists collaborate to develop treatment plans.
3. They perform certain procedures. Sometimes, NPs perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as certain needle biopsies, cystoscopies, tube insertions or stent placements.
4. They educate patients about their conditions.
5. They sometimes assist our Houston urologists during surgery.
6. They provide follow-up visits after surgery.

What to expect during a visit with our nurse practitioners

Every patient’s visit with our NPs is unique. Our advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) begin each visit by talking to the patient about their medical and family history and their current symptoms. They may perform a physical examination and then decide to order further tests.

If a patient is here for a follow-up visit after surgery, our nursing professionals can prescribe medication, determine how recovery is going and provide patient education. Here are a few of the urologic issues our NPs diagnose during their average workday.

• Urinary tract infections, or UTIs
• Urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Interstitial cystitis
• Kidney stones
• Kidney infections
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low testosterone
• Pelvic organ prolapse

Our nurse practitioners are vital members of our Houston Metro Urology team and provide excellent patient care.

Our Houston urologists work closely with our trained and skilled NPs

At Houston Metro Urology, we believe that teamwork and collaboration among the finest medical professionals gives patients the best results. Our urologists trust our nurse practitioners to provide compassionate, skilled care and diagnostics.

Read more about our NPs to learn how they help our urology patients get and stay healthier.

Contact us for an appointment with one of our advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) or urologists.