BHN Healthcare Blog

Urodynamic services provide valuable information when it comes to the urinary health of patients due to their interaction with medications, drugs, and other substances. However, some clinics doubt that urodynamic services make a difference in specific populations of people. To test this theory Suskind AM, Cox L, and Clemens JQ et al. (2017) decided to test the value of urodynamic services within an academic specialty referral practice. The objective of the study was to demonstrate that UDS services could provide useful information for correct medication doses in patients and other drugs.

Patients & Pre-screening

The perspective questionnaire was designed to determine the use of UDS in clinical practices. Each patient who was invited to be in the study was 18 years or older and were either male or female. Five clinics asked their patients if they wanted to participate in the study if they were coming for a UDS service. They were then prompted with a pre-questionnaire asking their race, gender, age, and if they had previously used UDS services. They were also asked if they had any history of pelvic radiation and neurological conditions.

Boosting your practice’s revenue requires you to add additional services for your patients. Some of these services should include nutrition, urodynamic testing, imaging, and an in-house pharmacy. By adding these services, you will better be able to provide your clients with better healthcare. So, how do you know that adding urodynamic services is going to be beneficial for your company?

We want to help you better understand how to give your patients enough services. Below, we will answer some questions regarding the addition of different services, especially urodynamics, and why they are good for you and your clients.

Urodynamic procedures can be scheduled for reimbursements through Medicare and other insurance companies. You will need to know the exact codes listed below in the article to help build a proper case for calculating how much you can be reimbursed for. The following information is a guide to help you estimate your reimbursement. However, not all reimbursements will be accepted. Contact your insurers for an assessment to check if you qualify for urodynamic procedure reimbursements. Each insurance office has strict policies and guidelines on whether you will get accepted or denied your reimbursement.

Among new medical technologies, urodynamic equipment options have also been part of the new generation of updated technology. These urodynamic systems are easier to use, display accurate information, and are compact and portable. New features make it much easier to transport the machine from job to job and all information that is collected is displayed and easy to interpret. Urodynamic systems are created to investigate the function of the urinary tract by taking physical measurements with bladder pressure and flows of rates.

Urodynamics testing requires very well-trained staff in order to determine the basis and progression of urologic diseases. Typically, UDS training is provided by the equipment manufacturers, but there are other viable training options in the market.

2018 Urology Practice Trends and Facts Infographic

In the following article we focus on this study and discuss the effects of the uroselective α1-blocker tamsulosin on urodynamic parameters in male patients with type I primary bladder neck obstruction. Moving forward, an obstruction with high voiding pressure accompanied by poor flow and narrowing at the neck of the bladder with concomitant silent external sphincter on electromyography forms the basis for primary bladder neck obstruction. Alpha blockers, which are used in the treatment of primary bladder neck obstructions do not have evidence for objective urodynamic efficacy.

Let’s delve into the topic. Available treatment options for bladder neck obstruction are observation of the patient with follow-up, clean intermittent catheterization or bladder neck incision, alpha blockers. Studies conducted to assess the efficacy of the pharmacological approach are nonrandomized and small.

2018 Urology Infographic -  Current Urology Practice Trends and Facts

The storage and elimination of urine are regulated by neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord to coordinate function between the urethra and the urinary bladder. During micturition, the elimination of urine is facilitated by bladder wall contraction as well as urethral wall and pelvic floor muscle relaxation. In the following article, we will discuss discuss this study: Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Impact of Intraurethral Lidocaine on Urodynamic Voiding Parameters.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) lead to incomplete bladder emptying, decreased quality of life, increased healthcare use, decreased workplace productivity and impact in intimate relationships. Some of the approaches to improve the condition such as

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common clinical condition with a negative impact on the quality of life. Commonly performed tests to evaluate fecal incontinence include anorectal manometry (ARM) and endoanal ultrasonography (EAU). In the following article, we will discuss this study, which aims to compare the results of these two tests in a cohort of patients with FI.

Fecal incontinence is defined as the involuntary passage of stool in a person older than 4 years and for a period of 3 months or more. The prevalence is suspected to be more than 15%, with higher incidence in the geriatric age population.

FI: Main Causes