Recently it has been in the AVL Center for Early Diagnosis started with a so-called Advice Consultation on Prostate, especially for general practitioners. This advisory consultation is intended for men with a PSA value of >3.0 and
The advisory consultation provides you with a risk assessment of the presence of prostate cancer, while you remain the treating physician. Through the advisory consultation, unnecessary follow-up research (in second/third line) can be avoided as much as possible. The advisory consultation is available to all general practitioners. The access time is less than 1 week.
For this one-and-a-half-line care, the AVL collaborates with the Huisarts+punt in Amsterdam. Referral is not limited to Amsterdam: all general practitioners in the Netherlands can refer to the Advice Consultation in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek via Huisarts+punt.
During the prostate consultation, an extensive history is taken, followed by a rectal examination and an ultrasound of the prostate with measurement of the prostate volume. The results of these examinations, together with the patient’s PSA value, are used for risk assessment using the Prostate Guide. Finally, you will receive specific advice about your patient.
During the prostate consultation, an extensive history is taken, followed by a rectal examination and an ultrasound of the prostate with measurement of the prostate volume. The results of these examinations, together with the patient’s PSA value, are used for risk assessment using the Prostate Guide. Finally, you will receive specific advice about your patient.
Benefit for the patient
- Short access time (
- The prostate consultation prevents burdensome follow-up examination for some men
- The deductible is not charged, the GP remains the main practitioner
- If advice is given for referral to the urologist, the patient is free to make his or her choice
- Opportunity to participate in scientific research
How do you refer in ZorgDomein?
Referral Advice Consultation Prostate
Specialist medical care > Urology > Increased PSA > Huisartspluspunt, AVL Center for Early Diagnosis, Amsterdam
Referral criterion: men with a PSA value of >3.0 and .
Referral to urologist (combination appointment consultation/MRI and possibly biopsy):
Specialist medical care > Urology > Increased PSA > Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (AVL), Center for Early Diagnosis, Amsterdam
Let’s Talk About Prostate Health: A Consultation That’s Actually Worth Your While
So, the AVL Center for Early Diagnosis has gotten smart and introduced a new Advice Consultation on Prostate Health. And no, I’m not making this up to get a laugh – although, to be honest, anything can be funny if you squint hard enough! This advice consultation is specifically designed for general practitioners, particularly those dealing with men who have a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) value over 3.0. Now, for those of you who don’t know what that means, let me simplify: if your PSA level is over 3, it’s time to get your doctor’s attention – not just for a chat over coffee!
Now here’s where it gets interesting: this new scheme aims to save a lot of unnecessary follow-up research for men who might be perfectly fine but have just ticked the wrong box on their PSA test. The best part? If you’re a general practitioner in the Netherlands, you can refer patients without having to choose between Amsterdam or “anywhere else on Earth”. Fancy, eh?
What’s the Deal with Prostate Consultations?
During the consultation, blokes will undergo a thorough history check, followed by a rectal examination (that’s right, gentlemen – time to put on your bravest face!), and an ultrasound of the prostate. Think of it as a tour through the lesser-known parts of your body – like a holiday, just without the sun and mojitos. The results will then be assessed along with the patient’s PSA value using the acclaimed Prostate Guide. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, doesn’t it? But I assure you, this is real life – and the advice you get at the end will be genuinely helpful.
Benefits for Patients
- Access time is less than one week – because who wants to wait forever when it comes to their health?
- The consultation could save some blokes from endless, unnecessary follow-up exams. You know, the kind where you’re just left wondering why you signed up for a second round!
- Best of all, the patient doesn’t need to break the bank – there’s no deductible charged, and the GP keeps the reins.
- If a referral to a urologist is suggested, guess what? The patient has the freedom to pick their own doctor. It’s like choosing a dessert buffet; just remember to pace yourself!
- Plus, there’s an opportunity to get involved in scientific research. Who doesn’t want to be part of medical history? Just think – your name could be in the textbooks!
Referring for the Prostate Consultation
Now, if you’re a general practitioner wondering how to make this magic happen through ZorgDomein, fear not! Here’s what you need to do:
Referral Advice Consultation Prostate: Specialist medical care > Urology > Increased PSA > Huisartspluspunt, AVL Center for Early Diagnosis, Amsterdam
And remember, the referral criterion remains: men with a PSA value over 3.0. Simple, right?
If the situation calls for a urologist, your pathway will take you through:
Referral to urologist (combination appointment consultation/MRI and possibly biopsy): Specialist medical care > Urology > Increased PSA > Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (AVL), Center for Early Diagnosis, Amsterdam
If thinking about your health can be funny, it’s the fact that you finally have a chance to get your prostate checked without feeling like you’re jumping through flaming hoops! Maybe we should start focusing our energy on more pressing health issues, like why your neighbor keeps borrowing sugar but never returns your favorite shirt!
So, for more information, check out the AVL Center for Early Diagnosis. And remember, a healthy prostate is a happy prostate – or at least less anxious. Cheers to that!
**Interview with Dr. Anneke van Dijk, Urology Specialist at the AVL Center for Early Diagnosis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. van Dijk. Can you start by explaining the motivation behind the newly introduced Advice Consultation on Prostate Health at the AVL Center for Early Diagnosis?
**Dr. van Dijk:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The motivation for this consultation stemmed from the need to streamline the medical process for men who have elevated PSA levels. We aim to provide a risk assessment for prostate cancer right from their general practitioners’ settings, thus avoiding unnecessary hassle and anxiety for patients who may not require further invasive procedures.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very beneficial! For general practitioners who want to refer a patient, what are the specific criteria they should be aware of?
**Dr. van Dijk:** Our consultations are specifically geared toward men who have a PSA value over 3.0. If GPs have patients within that threshold, they can easily refer them through ZorgDomein, which simplifies the process. The access time for these consultations is under a week, which is crucial when it comes to patient care.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to hear that patients won’t have to wait long. Can you take us through what happens during the consultation?
**Dr. van Dijk:** Certainly! During the consultation, we start with a comprehensive medical history of the patient. Following that, we perform a rectal examination and an ultrasound of the prostate, which allows us to measure the prostate volume accurately. The combination of these assessments, along with the PSA level, enables us to conduct a thorough risk analysis using the Prostate Guide. At the end, the GP receives specific advice tailored to their patient, keeping them in control of their care.
**Interviewer:** That approach seems comprehensive while also empowering GPs. What do you think are the key benefits for patients coming to these consultations?
**Dr. van Dijk:** There are several key benefits. First, the quick access time means patients aren’t left waiting anxiously. Second, we aim to prevent unnecessary follow-up examinations, which can be burdensome for many men. Additionally, there’s no deductible charged for the consultation, ensuring that it remains cost-effective. Most importantly, if a referral to a urologist is advised, patients have the freedom to choose their next steps in collaboration with their GP.
**Interviewer:** What a balanced approach to managing prostate health! Lastly, could you update us on how referrals work for GPs who want to engage with this new consultation?
**Dr. van Dijk:** Absolutely! GPs from around the Netherlands can refer their patients through ZorgDomein. It’s essential to choose ‘Specialist medical care > Urology > Increased PSA > Huisartspluspunt, AVL Center for Early Diagnosis, Amsterdam’ for the initial consultation. If further action is required, such as a combination appointment for consultation, MRI, or biopsy, they can refer directly to the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for shedding light on this new initiative, Dr. van Dijk. It sounds like a valuable resource for both practitioners and their patients.
**Dr. van Dijk:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important advancement in prostate health awareness and care.
