Understanding Urology Data on Sunlight Ledger

What Urologists Do

Urologists diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. Common conditions include prostate cancer, kidney stones, bladder cancer, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney cancer, and erectile dysfunction. Urology is a surgical specialty, and urologists perform both open and minimally invasive procedures.

Subspecialties include urologic oncology, pediatric urology, female pelvic medicine, and andrology.

Common Procedures in Medicare Data

  • Cystoscopy — Examination of the bladder and urethra with a scope; diagnostic and therapeutic
  • Prostate biopsy — Tissue sampling to evaluate for prostate cancer
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) — Surgical treatment for BPH
  • Kidney stone procedures — Shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy
  • Robotic prostatectomy — Surgical removal of the prostate for cancer, typically performed with robotic assistance
  • Bladder tumor resection — Removal of bladder tumors via cystoscope

What Normal Volume Looks Like

Cystoscopy is extremely common in urology practice and high annual counts are expected. Urologists who specialize in cancer will have higher surgery volumes. Robotic surgery volume can signal institutional resources — robotic prostatectomy requires a surgical robot that is not available everywhere, and volume at that institution matters for outcomes.

Pharma and Device Payments

Urologists receive payments from pharmaceutical companies marketing medications for BPH, overactive bladder, testosterone deficiency, and erectile dysfunction. Device companies that manufacture robotic surgery systems, urologic implants (penile prostheses, artificial urinary sphincters), and stone treatment devices also pay consulting and training fees. Urologic oncologists may receive payments from companies marketing medications for prostate and bladder cancer.

Questions to Ask Your Urologist

  • How many of this specific procedure do you perform per year?
  • Do you have financial relationships with pharmaceutical or device companies relevant to my condition?
  • For prostate cancer: what are all of my treatment options, and what are the tradeoffs between surgery, radiation, and active surveillance?
Data Disclaimer — Data sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), Open Payments program, Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data, and Provider Enrollment & Certification data (PECOS). Published under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by CMS, HHS, or the U.S. Government. Data may contain errors as reported to CMS by providers and reporting entities. Industry payment disclosure alone establishes neither wrongdoing nor legality. Medicare data reflects only patients aged 65+ or those with qualifying disabilities. For corrections, contact CMS directly. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a healthcare provider. Procedure descriptions use plain language and do not reference CPT® codes, which are copyrighted by the American Medical Association. Full methodology → · Report a data error → · Privacy policy →