Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a referral to see Dr Scott McCowan?

  No,  self-referrals are welcome. You don’t need to see your GP first if you’d rather come straight to us, although a referral is always helpful if you already have one.

• Where do you see patients?

  Scott sees patients at Crest Specialist Centre in Palmerston North and at Selena Sutherland Hospital in Masterton. He also leads the Urology Department at Palmerston North Hospital, where he sees public patients. He’s building a thriving practice in the Wairarapa so you don’t need to travel to Wellington for specialist care or state-of-the-art treatment.

• What conditions do you treat?

  Scott treats a full range of urological conditions in men, women, and children –  from prostate health and kidney stones to bladder conditions, incontinence, pelvic floor issues, and urological cancers. If you’re not sure whether your concern fits, please get in touch and we’ll let you know.

• Do you have experience with women's urological conditions?

  Yes. While working in the US, half of Scott’s caseload was devoted to female urology, and he completed further training specifically in this area. Since moving to New Zealand, he has completed the credentialing process for the NZ female pelvic floor mesh service and as of now, he’s the only privately practising urologist in the region with this credential, working alongside gynaecology.

• What urological conditions do you treat in women?

  Bladder leakage and overactive bladder, urge and stress incontinence, vaginal prolapse, chronic UTIs, haematuria (blood in urine), painful bladder syndrome, kidney stones, and urological cancers including kidney and bladder cancer. If you’ve been managing symptoms on your own, we’d encourage you to get in touch – most of these conditions are very treatable.

• What urological conditions do you treat in men?

  Scott treats a wide range of urological conditions – including prostate health (including BPH and prostate cancer), kidney stones, bladder conditions including overactive bladder and haematuria, erectile dysfunction, chronic UTIs, and procedures such as vasectomy, circumcision, and hydrocelectomy.

• Do you see children?

  Yes, for a specific range of conditions: undescended testes, hydrocele, and circumcision. For more complex paediatric urology needs, we’ll point you toward a paediatric specialist better placed to help.

• Are you affiliated with any insurance providers?

  Yes, Scott McCowan Urology is a Southern Cross and NIB Affiliated Provider.

• How do I book an appointment?

  Fill in the contact form on our website, email info@smurology.co.nz, or call the practice on 06 953 2498 (Palmerston North), or 06 377 0277 (Masterton) for anything urgent.

• How much does a consultation cost?

  Consultation cost depends on the duration and type of consultation. We take a no-surprises approach to our billing and are happy to provide estimates for consultations and treatments.

• What happens at my first appointment?

  We’ll start with a detailed conversation about your health and what’s concerning you. Scott will walk you through your options so you understand what’s involved and why, and you’ll decide on the best path forward together. You’re welcome to bring a support person, and we’ll also make sure you have time to speak privately if you’d prefer.

• What support is there after surgery?

  If you have surgical treatment, Scott stays in touch afterward to make sure you’re recovering well and provides detailed aftercare advice.

• Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

  Yes, support people are always welcome. We’ll also make sure you have space to talk about anything more sensitive on your own, if that’s what you’d prefer.