Snow...Ice... My Appointment...?

It's that time of year when the weather is unpredictable - 55 degrees one day and then bitter cold with snow and ice just a few days later.  As of today, January 26th there are only 53 days until the official first day of spring but that hardly seems real as we are facing some snow and ice over the next few days here in Cincinnati.

So what does that mean if you have an appointment or need an appointment when the weather is like this?

We will make every attempt to be open as long as it is safe to travel on the roads but please call first (513-271-2862) just in case we have decided it is not safe and we are closed.  We will have current information available for you, including a later opening time if this is the case.  If there is a statement issued by Hamilton County indicating that essential travel only is permitted, we will be closed.

If you decide you would like to reschedule your appointment please give us as much advance notice as you can.   We do understand that this is not always possible, of course and are just happy to hear from you - that you're okay.  We will be happy to reschedule your appointment at your convenience.

If you have an emergency and the office is closed, please use the emergency room at the hospital closest to you.  If you need an appointment you may leave a message with our answering service and we will contact you as soon as we are open again.

So, stay warm... be safe... and stay off the snowy icy roads as much as you can.

Something common... something FIXABLE

Urinary incontinence affects millions of men and women in the United States yet it is one of the least talked about problems.  Too many people "suffer in silence" because it is embarrassing to admit to this problem and often difficult to bring the subject up to a doctor.

It doesn't have to be this way.  There are many very effective treatments for incontinence. There are different reasons people lose urine when they don't want to, so the type of incontinence must be determined in order to choose the right solution.  

Stress incontinence is one of the most common types.  It can occur in both men and women but is more common in women and can happen at any age.  Typically a person with stress incontinence loses urine with coughing, laughing, sneezing or activities such as dancing and exercising. 

Urge incontinence is the "Gotta go, gotta go RIGHT NOW" type of incontinence.  Many people with this type of incontinence are extremely inconvenienced by having to plan their activities around knowing where the closest restroom is.  It is difficult to enjoy going to movies or sports events if you have to get up frequently to urinate!  And often people with this kind of incontinence make it to the bathroom only to lose urine before actually getting to the toilet.

Of course, there are other reasons for incontinence as well.  Dr. Roesel has a special interest in treating incontinence because she feels it is such an important quality of life issue.  No one should have to go through life wet.  

There are a variety of effective treatments available for different kinds of incontinence.  Dr. Roesel can diagnose the specific type of problem you have using a combination of history, physical exam and specialized testing if needed.  Our office is set up to provide a full diagnostic work up including urodynamics which is a study of how well the bladder is able to store urine to prevent leakage.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your treatment options may include medication, physical therapy or surgery.  Treatment is individualized and Dr. Roesel works with each patient to make sure they understand the plan and feel comfortable with her recommendations.

If you are having trouble staying dry, don't suffer in silence.  Give us a call at 271-2862.

In-network with United Healthcare

We are happy to announce that we are now in-network with United Healthcare.  Many thanks to all of you who waited patiently for Dr.  Roesel to become a participating provider!  We'll be calling everyone who left his/her name to be notified as soon as we had the "go ahead" to start seeing UHC patients.

Happy New Year!

2009 promises to be an exciting year for our practice.   In keeping with our goal of providing convenient, comprehensive urologic care we are happy to announce that we have added new equipment to be able to offer the following procedures in the office:

Cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder)

Prostate biopsy

Scrotal, kidney and bladder ultrasound

Urodynamics (study of how well the bladder works)

Genital wart removal 

Insurance updates:  We are still waiting for Great West and Cigna but are now able to see patients with Aetna, Anthem, Healthspan, Humana, Medical Mutual, Medicare with Dr. Roesel as an in-network provider. United Healthcare is allowing prior authorization only at this time.

Our office staff is always happy to verify your benefits for you at any time, just give us a call at 271-2862.

We hope this year is a happy, healthy year filled with all kinds of good things for you and your loved ones.