Once a patient has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, there is a process to be followed to determine what treatment is best. If a doctor feels that surgical treatment is necessary they will refer you to the Kidney Stone Center. Your doctor or you will be asked to send medical history, physical exam results, imaging studies, insurance information and patient information to the Kidney Stone Center. The Center then reviews the medical information, verifies the insurance coverage, and the urologists at the Center review the case and make a recommendation as to the best treatment. We do have a procedure for handling cases where there is no insurance coverage.

There is a mandatory second opinion to verify the proposed treatment. If the case is to be treated at the Center, the case is then scheduled with the patient and referring doctor's office. Once scheduled, the patient will receive specific instructions as to diet, when to stop eating and drinking, and what medications to take and what not to take. (See the restricted Medication list) The patient will be told when to appear at the Center for treatment. If these instructions are not followed, the case may be cancelled. You and your referring urologist are also told what laboratory tests are necessary before treatment. Depending upon your medical condition the tests required may be minimal or extensive and may include blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and cardiograms.