Now is a Good Time for a Vasectomy

If you've been thinking about having a vasectomy but just couldn't pick up the phone to make an appointment to come in and find out more, now is a great time to do it.

It's not warm enough yet to swim.

It's not quite yard work time yet.

There are lots of sports events on television.

You will not have to worry about another baby sired by you*.

*(If you follow up as instructed to have your semen checked and are told no sperm are present.)

Just get three of your friends to get a vasectomy too. Things are always better when done in groups.

Call now. Immediate appointments available.

Just a reminder: Call your insurance company to see if you are covered for a vasectomy. Some policies do not provide coverage for this service. We do have self pay packages as well. Just call 271-2862 for more information.

No need to do this.

513-271-2862 M-F 9-5

So true, Nick!

Your Doctor is Now Board Certified

Dr. Roesel is now certified by the American Board of Urology.

What does this mean?

According to the American Board of Urology (ABU) it demonstrates a physician's expertise in urology.  The entire process of becoming certified takes approximately 2 years after finishing an approved residency program.

Certification by the ABU involves rigorous testing and evaluation designed and administered by urologic specialists.  The certification process evaluates a urologist's clinical skills based on education, examination (both written and oral), review of actual surgical cases, peer review and other criteria.

Dr. Roesel is very happy not to have to spend so much time studying so hard for a while!

Your Insurance Coverage - Read the Fine Print...

Insurance plans are confusing.

Unless you have read your plan handbook from cover to cover it's not always clear what your plan will cover.

And if you happen to be seen for a condition your insurance does not cover then you are responsible for the bill.

Here are the things that usually are a surprise to patients:

Vasectomies: many plans will not pay for vasectomies at all

(But please don't resort to doing it yourself...)

ED: This is often not covered

A routine check up including a prostate exam and PSA from a urologist (considered a specialist) may not be covered.

How do you avoid getting caught in this trap?

Call your insurance company and ASK specifically if they cover the service and if so, what is your responsibility for the bill. If you have not yet met your deductible you may be responsible for the whole cost.

Please Bring Your New Insurance Card and a Picture ID to Your Appointment

Our policy is that you must present a valid insurance card and a photo ID at the time of your visit.

Believe it or not,medical insurance theft/fraud is a bigger problem than identity theft.

We are not trying to be difficult.

We need your card to verify your benefits and eligibility at the time of your visit.

We keep a copy of your photo ID scanned into your chart in case there is ever a question of who is using your insurance card.

Insurance cards generally do not have a picture on them so we do ask for another form of identification. We realize that many people do not have a driver's license but any photo ID that clearly shows your picture and your name will be fine.

A work identification badge.

A student ID.

You can get an identification card at any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles location for people who do not drive. These can be obtained for any age person from children to senior citizens.  This will have their photo and address on it.  Follow the link below for more information.

http://www.dmv.com/oh/ohio/apply-id-card

Your privacy and security are very important to us.

Wednesday Februrary 10, 2010: Closed Due to Weather

With the last few days of unpredictable snow fall, traffic problems and bitter cold we decided it was safer to close the office on Wednesday to let the weather and the roads improve.

Everyone who was scheduled for an appointment on Wednesday has been contacted and rescheduled.  We still have openings on Friday February 12 available.

An emergency number is provided on a recording if you call the office (513-271-2862).  We will have access to our office computer system remotely and will be checking labs and other results.  If you have test results that require further treatment you will contacted by telephone today and we'll get it taken care of.

In the meantime, stay warm, be safe and remember, spring is just a few weeks away!

Changes for Medicare Patients

With all the uncertainty about health care reform most people are most concerned about the bottom line: How much is it going to cost me?

For patients with Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans, please take a moment to read this information. It is also available in our office and you are welcome to take a copy home to read and study.

First of all, Traditional Medicare has several parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospital coverage. Part B covers doctors office visits and xxxx. Part D is an optional coverage which is for prescriptions.

After meeting a predetermined deductible ($155 in 2010) you are then responsible for 20% of the cost of your office visit.

If you have any secondary, supplemental or a Managed Medicare plan these may cover that 20% you will owe. The best way to determine this is to call your secondary insurance company and ask them.

We will begin collecting your 20% responsibility at the end of your visit with the doctor starting March 1, 2010. We will make every attempt to notify you of this new change when we call to confirm your appointment a day or two before. Please be prepared to pay this at the time of your visit. This will help keep our costs down because we will not have to bill you at a later date.

We are happy to show you exactly what Medicare pays for each part of your visit and your calculated responsibility that is due.

We realize this may present a new hardship or inconvenience. Medical care costs are soaring and we do our best to keep them under control.

Dr. Roesel does not order unnecessary tests and you will find she very often asks about your prescription coverage to help make sure you get the medications you need.

Medicare premiums just went up 14%.

Medicare works this way:

You have a deductible to meet. In 2010 it is $155. After that, if you do not have secondary or supplemental insurance you are responsible for 20% of the cost of your office visit.

Effective March 1, 2010 we will be collecting this 20% from you at the end of your visit.

Why Do I Have To Pee More When It's Cold?

Did you ever come inside from the cold and almost immediately need to urinate?

When it is cold your body tries to keep your "core" warm.  The core is your heart, lungs and brain.  The way the body does this is by constricting blood vessels in your extremities like your hands and feet.

The end result is you have the same amount of blood circulating in a smaller area.  This is good for keeping your core warm but your kidneys sense too much fluid so they start making more urine.

By the time you get inside you might have a very strong urge to urinate. This is normal.

If you find that you are more thirsty later that is also normal.  Your body wants to replace the water it lost in that extra urine you made.

So now you know.