Expert Urological Care for Men and Women

Comprehensive urological care for men and women, offering expert diagnosis and treatment for urinary and reproductive health.

Nashville General Hospital's Urology team provides comprehensive, expert care for a wide range of urological conditions affecting men and women. Led by board-certified urologist Dr. Douglas Altenbern, our highly trained specialists offer both non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment options — including state-of-the-art Blue Light Cystoscopy for enhanced bladder cancer detection. From your initial consultation through every step of treatment, our care team delivers personalized attention designed to put you at ease and support your long-term health.

Conditions We Treat

Urinary & Bladder Conditions

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  • Urinary Retention
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation)
  • Bladder Scans

Prostate Health

  • Prostatitis (Inflamed Prostate)
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Enlarged Prostate
  • Prostate Cancer Screenings (PSA, Lipid Panel, BMP)
  • Prostate Biopsy

Cancers of the Urinary Tract

  • Bladder Cancer — including Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC® with Cysview®)
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer

Kidney & Reproductive Health

  • Kidney Stones
  • Hydrocelectomy
  • Testicular Conditions
  • Erectile Dysfunction

Procedures

  • Cystoscopy
  • Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC® with Cysview®)
  • Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors (TURBT)
  • Prostate Biopsy
  • Hydrocelectomy

Tests, Treatments & Services

Our urology team offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for men and women at every stage of life.

Cystoscopy

A thin, lighted scope allows our urologist to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra to detect abnormalities, tumors, or sources of bleeding.

Kidney Stone Treatment

From diagnosis to treatment, we help you manage painful kidney stones with minimally invasive options tailored to your condition.

Prostate Cancer Screening

PSA testing and prostate exams help detect cancer early, when it's most treatable. Higher-risk patients may need to start at age 40.

Incontinence & Bladder Control

We offer evaluation and treatment for urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in both men and women, with a focus on quality of life.

Men's Urological Health

From prostatitis and BPH to erectile dysfunction and testicular concerns, our team provides discreet, compassionate care for men's urological issues.

INNOVATION: Seeing More. Treating Better.

Nashville General Hospital is among a select number of institutions nationwide offering Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC®) with Cysview® — a cutting-edge technology that significantly improves the detection of bladder cancer. During the procedure, the patient receives a bladder instillation of Cysview before the exam. Under blue light, cancerous cells glow bright pink — revealing lesions that are often invisible under standard white light. For eligible patients, this can mean more complete tumor removal and better long-term outcomes.

Download the Cysview Fact Sheet

Men's Urological Health: What You Should Know

Men are far less likely than women to seek medical care — but urological health issues are common at every age. Prostate problems, urinary concerns, and sexual health issues can affect men from their teens through their 90s. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men — and African-American men and those with a family history face a higher risk. Prostate cancer screening with a PSA test is generally recommended starting at age 50, or age 40 for higher-risk individuals. Early detection matters. Our urology team sees men for a wide range of concerns — including prostatitis, BPH, kidney stones, testicular issues, and erectile dysfunction. Whatever brings you in, we're here to help — without judgment.

Schedule an Appointment

Urological Care for Women

Urology isn't just for men. Many women experience urological conditions that deserve specialized care and attention. Nashville General Hospital's urology team treats women for a range of issues, including: 

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
  • Urinary incontinence and bladder leakage 
  • Overactive bladder 
  • Kidney stones 
  • Bladder and kidney cancer 

If you've been dealing with urinary symptoms that affect your daily life, our team can help you find answers and relief.

Schedule Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a urologist?

It depends on your insurance plan. Many patients are referred by their primary care provider, but you may be able to schedule directly. Call us at 615-341-4227 and our team will help you confirm what your insurance requires.

What should I bring to my first urology appointment?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of all current medications (including supplements), and any relevant lab results or imaging. If you've had prior urological treatment elsewhere, bring those records as well. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork.

What conditions does a urologist treat in women?

Urology care isn't just for men. Our team treats women for recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, kidney stones, and bladder or kidney cancer. If you're experiencing urinary symptoms that affect your daily life, we can help.

When should I get screened for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screening with a PSA test is generally recommended starting at age 50 for most men. African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer should consider starting at age 40. Talk to your provider about what's right for you.

What is Blue Light Cystoscopy, and do I need it?

Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC® with Cysview®) is an advanced procedure that makes cancerous bladder cells glow under blue light, helping us detect tumors that traditional methods can miss. It is used for patients with known or suspected bladder cancer. Your provider will determine if it's appropriate for your situation.

What are symptoms of a kidney stone?

Kidney stones often cause sudden, severe pain in your back or side, pain that moves to the lower abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and painful or frequent urination. If you have severe pain, fever, or blood in your urine, seek care promptly.

What insurance plans does the Urology clinic accept?

We accept most major insurance plans, including Metro employee health plans. If you have questions about coverage, visit our Billing & Insurance page, call 615-341-4968, or check with your insurance provider before your visit.

How do I schedule or cancel an appointment?

Call 615-341-4227 to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your urology appointment. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible.

How do I access my lab results or send a message to my provider?

You can sign up for our HealtheLife Patient Portal to view lab results, send messages to your care team, and manage your appointments.

When should I seek urgent or emergency care for a urological issue?

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department if you experience: severe, sudden pain in your back, side, or groin; inability to urinate; significant blood in your urine; or high fever combined with urinary symptoms. For non-emergency concerns, call our clinic at 615-341-4227.

Locations

Urology Main Campus

Hours
Mon - Thu: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Fri: 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Address

1818 Albion Street
10th floor
Nashville, TN 37208
United States

Contact
Phone Number

Related Articles

Related Articles