Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
  • Home
  • Articles
  • Urology and You: A Doctor Answers Sensitive Questions
Article Category: Highlights

Urology and You: A Doctor Answers Sensitive Questions

Published on February 24, 2025

Last updated 10:52 AM February 24, 2025

Woman and man drinking water

The Weekly Check-up Atlanta


Dr. Scott Miller, a Wellstar urologist and expert in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, joined Dr. Bruce Feinberg on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Checkup. Together, they tackled common questions about urology, prostate health, incontinence and more.

Does dark urine mean I have a medical problem?

There’s no normal color for urine, Dr. Miller explained. Most of the time, expect urine to be “fairly diluted, almost like water or very pale yellow.”

Urine color may be different in the morning after a night’s sleep without hydration. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, like multivitamins, can also affect urine color. Any red in urine could indicate the presence of blood. That’s a sign to call your primary care provider or urologist.

Should I be worried about bubbles in my urine?

That depends, according to Dr. Miller.

“If bubbles form simply because of the way your urine stream hits the water—causing a little turbulence—there’s no need for concern,” he said. “But if you actually feel the bubbles or air passing as you urinate, that’s different. It could indicate a bladder infection or an abnormal connection between the urinary and GI (gastrointestinal) tract.”

In that case, Dr. Miller said a doctor would likely order tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Do women need urologists?

Yes. Urologists specialize in treating the kidneys and the bladder in both women and men, in addition to addressing prostate health in men.

“Anyone with a urologic issue should see a urologist,” Dr. Miller said. He noted that women are more likely than men to experience conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, making specialized care essential.

Is bladder leakage inevitable with aging?

Dr. Miller noted that bladder control issues are common, but they can be an avoidable part of aging.

“Some females assume bladder control is a natural consequence of childbirth or aging,” he said. “But in reality, these are all treatable issues and sometimes very simple fixes.”

Dr. Miller said that both women and men can benefit from treatments that may include medications, lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures. He encourages those experiencing bladder control concerns to talk with their primary care doctor or urologist rather than assume it’s something they must live with.

What about erectile dysfunction? Is it unavoidable with aging?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur at any age, Dr. Miller said. But it is more common as men get older.

“ED isn’t necessarily a direct result of aging. … For instance, testosterone levels naturally decline with age, which can contribute to ED. But that’s not necessarily the cause of the erectile function,” he said.

Underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, are sometimes related to ED and are more common as people age.

People with other diseases, such as diabetes, may also experience erectile dysfunction, he explained.

At any age, patients should see a doctor as soon as they start having erectile dysfunction, Dr. Miller said. Doctors can test and rule out other causes. Early treatment for erectile dysfunction is often more successful than when patients delay seeing a doctor.

Is vasectomy safe? Is it reversible?

Not only is vasectomy safe, but it’s also the “most effective form of permanent birth control,” Dr. Miller assured listeners. The outpatient procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, and recovery is quick.

Some men worry that a vasectomy might affect their sexual function or desire, but that’s not true, Dr. Miller added. Vasectomy doesn’t affect the testicles, where testosterone, the male hormone, is produced or the delivery of the hormone to the bloodstream.

Dr. Miller said that when patients ask if vasectomy is reversible, he cautions that while vasectomy reversal is possible, it is a complex procedure with no guarantees. The patient’s age, how much time has passed since the vasectomy and the partner’s fertility all influence the chances of achieving pregnancy.

“So, never count on it,” he said. “But there are other ways to achieve pregnancy, even in someone who has had a vasectomy, including retrieving sperm directly from the testicle” then attempting in-vitro fertilization.

If I have prostate cancer, does that mean I need surgery?

Advances in prostate cancer detection and treatment have changed considerably in how doctors treat the disease, Dr. Miller said.

“Up to 40% of all prostate cancers we diagnose are at least initially candidates for active surveillance,” he said. Of those, 40 to 50% will, over three to five years, require treatment. Even in those cases, he added doctors “have a lot of ‘runway.’”

“It’s like landing a commuter jet on a 747 runway. We don’t need to start at the very beginning of the runway to safely land before the runway runs out,” he said.

For some patients, that may eventually mean they are candidates for laparoscopic surgery to remove the prostate gland or parts of it that are cancerous.

Advances in diagnostic tools, such as MRIs, genetic testing and genomic testing, have also revolutionized the detection and treatment of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Miller. Genetic testing can help determine a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer, while genomic testing reveals the molecular makeup of tumors and helps guide treatment decisions between doctors and patients.

Can I change my diet to prevent kidney stones?

Dr. Miller recommends two dietary habits to help prevent kidney stones: drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sodium intake—not only table salt, but also foods high in sodium, including diet and snack foods. He advised that when you have a meal high in sodium, counter its effects by drinking extra water.

In general, “most of the things in your diet will have very little effect on your chance of having kidney stones,” Dr. Miller said.

Because calcium is one of the chemicals that makes up kidney stones, Dr. Miller said many people ask if they should avoid calcium to prevent kidney stones. In most cases, the answer is no. Women especially need adequate calcium in their diets to support bone health and reduce their risk of osteoporosis.

Find a urologist at Wellstar

Do you have questions or concerns about your urinary health? Wellstar’s expert urologists are ready to help. Visit wellstar.org/urology to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Tags

Scott David Miller Media Room
Related Articles
Rendering of medical center location

Newsroom

Proposed Wellstar Hospital in Acworth Would Strengthen Access to Care, Create Jobs

MARIETTA, Ga., (June 23, 2025) – Wellstar Health System has filed its Certificate of Need (CON) application to build a 230-bed medical center that will address a critical need for hospital beds and emergency services in Acworth and nearby counties. The proposed Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center at Acworth would be conveniently located across from Wellstar’s busiest health park and would significantly reduce travel time for patients requiring emergency care.

Wellstar today shared new details on the proposed hospital, which would be an eight-story, 675,000-square-foot facility with 70 emergency department bays and 8 operating rooms. Wellstar’s filing included extensive information on the critical need for a new hospital in the area, and why Wellstar is uniquely able to provide that care.

The community response since the proposed hospital was first announced last month has been highly positive, with dozens of business and community leaders throughout Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee and Bartow counties expressing their support through letters. Wellstar will partner with community members throughout the application and development process and engage a community advisory council.

“Caring for the communities we serve is always our top priority when we look for opportunities to grow,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System. “Over the past few years, we have been able to increase access to healthcare across Georgia and into our rural communities by partnering with local leaders, businesses and organizations to identify and meet the rapidly expanding needs of our patients and their families.”

If approved, the proposed Acworth hospital would provide several benefits for the health and well-being of the region:

  • Easier access to emergency care. The proposed $1 billion hospital’s primary service area has more than 340,000 residents today and is expected to grow to 365,000 by 2030. The area’s population over 65 is projected to grow even more rapidly, which is significant because the need for inpatient and emergency services increases with age.
  • Expanded access to care for patients regardless of their ability to pay. The proposed hospital, like all Wellstar facilities, would care for all who need help regardless of their ability to pay. It is estimated that 50% of patients served by the hospital would use Medicare, Medicaid or lack insurance. The Wellstar system as a whole provides more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits.
  • Enhanced healthcare throughout the region. The proposed hospital would relieve pressure on Wellstar Kennestone, which currently has an occupancy rate of 98.5%. It would improve Wellstar Kennestone’s capacity to treat the most critical patients and accept transfers with fewer delays by allowing less serious patients to be cared for at Acworth.
  • Jobs and economic development. The proposed hospital would create more than 1,500 healthcare and related jobs with competitive wages that would help bolster the economy in surrounding areas. Wellstar is listed among the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.
  • Provide broader access to Wellstar’s integrated care network. This includes Georgia’s largest integrated trauma network, urgent care sites, specialists and primary care physicians, imaging, pharmacy and lab services.

“Wellstar has a proven history of delivering exceptional care with long-term benefits for Georgia families, and this new hospital will bring greater access to trusted, exceptional, quality care close to home,” said Sharon Mason, president and CEO, Cobb Chamber of Commerce. 

The proposed hospital at Acworth is one of many ways Wellstar is improving access to care for communities across Georgia. The health system is expanding Wellstar Kennestone with a new 192-bed tower for additional specialty care; expanding Wellstar Paulding Medical Center with a new 56-bed tower and parking deck to meet growing community need; adding a new oncology center to Wellstar Spalding Medical Center to help keep cancer care local; upgrading and expanding facilities in the Augusta area, including building a new 100-bed hospital and medical office building in Columbia County; and, in affiliation with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, providing a Digital Care Network that supports rural hospitals across Georgia.

ABOUT WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM

Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.

Keep reading
Wellstar team member accesses patient supplies

Highlights

Supply Chain Keeps Care Moving with WellBin

Behind every successful patient interaction is a supply chain that works quietly but powerfully in the background. The Wellstar supply chain team uncovered critical gaps in our supply room processes—from expired products and unused inventory to time-consuming manual counts and inconsistent practices across departments. These challenges not only impacted efficiency and cost, but also posed risks to patient safety and regulatory compliance if left unaddressed.

The WellBin story

Managing medical supplies across a health system the size of Wellstar is a complex task. Led by Michael McCullough, senior vice president of supply chain at Wellstar, the supply chain team completed an internal analysis revealing that inefficiencies drove up labor and distribution costs due to rush orders, excess handling and overall waste. These challenges increased the risk of stockouts and overstocking, frustrated clinicians who had to compensate for supply gaps and raised the potential for canceled surgical cases.

One major issue was expired products caused by poor inventory rotation, which posed risks to both compliance and patient care. The team also found that 30% of items in supply rooms were “no-move”—sitting unused on shelves and resulting in wasted space and unnecessary costs.

Additionally, supplies ordered in bulk arrived in boxes, causing overstocks and failing to meet the Joint Commission’s guidelines for avoiding corrugated cardboard on patient floors. Manual supply counting consumed hours of team member time, often leading to inaccuracies and delays. The lack of standardized processes across departments created imbalanced stock levels, while reliance on “tribal knowledge” made it difficult to consistently manage supplies and train new team members. Addressing these pain points became a critical priority for the team as they looked to improve supply chain management across the system.

Display of carefully organized medical supplies in bins on shelves


Streamlining supplies with WellBin

To tackle these problems, Wellstar rolled out an innovative medical supply system called WellBin—Wellstar’s version of the BlueBin system—which was tailored to our supply chain workflows and patient care standards. This two-bin Kanban system is customized and designed around our clinicians’ needs, ensuring they have the right amount of supplies, exactly when they need them. To achieve this, clinicians follow three simple steps:

  1. Pull supplies from the front bin.
  2. Pull the full bin from the back to the front when the front bin is empty.
  3. Put the empty bin in the designated area on top of the rack.

By following this simple process every time, our supply rooms remain organized, efficient and consistently stocked with everything clinicians need. Supplies rarely expire, stockouts are uncommon and waste is significantly reduced.

Wellstar and BlueBin worked hand-in-hand to tailor WellBin with key customizations that support the unique needs of our teams. These include:

Optimized inventory levels

While BlueBin recommends three to five days of inventory, Wellstar increased on-hand stock levels to eight days. This ensures clinical teams always have what they need and reduces costs related to frequent reordering.

Silver cart supply delivery

Supplies from our Consolidated Service Center (CSC) are grouped by supply room and delivered on carts rather than pallets. This eliminates the need for team members to spend up to 90 minutes per day breaking down pallets and reduces cardboard waste on patient floors—supporting Joint Commission compliance.

In-room staging

Instead of using a centralized staging area for replenishment, Wellstar processes replenishment directly within supply rooms—reducing lost bins, excess handling and space constraints.

Dedicated implementation team

Rather than relying on external teams for setup, Wellstar worked with BlueBin to train our own teams to manage builds and maintenance. This approach ensures long-term sustainability, enables faster issue resolution and cuts implementation costs by 50%.

“WellBin transformed our supply chain from a reactive, inefficient process to a proactive and clinician-friendly system,” said Jeremy Stewart, supply chain lean manager at Wellstar.

Team member at work delivering medical supplies


WellBin makes a difference

Since implementing the WellBin system, Wellstar has seen significant improvements across the supply chain. Expired products have been reduced significantly, boosting patient safety and ensuring better compliance. The system has eliminated time-consuming manual counts, freeing up team member hours and increasing overall efficiency. By standardizing processes across departments, WellBin has minimized reliance on tribal knowledge. This makes it easier for contract and float nurses to find the supplies they need quickly.

Clinician satisfaction has improved, and fewer stockouts mean smoother patient care without interruptions. The reduction in waste has also led to cost savings and stronger regulatory compliance.

“Before WellBin, we were constantly scrambling for supplies,” said Kori Rippet, radiology manager at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “Now, everything is where it should be, and our team can focus on patient care instead of inventory.”

Lessons learned

Implementing WellBin has taught us valuable lessons about improving supply chain management at Wellstar. Clinician involvement proved critical to the smooth adoption of new processes. Customizing BlueBin’s system into WellBin allowed us to better meet Wellstar’s unique needs and boosted team member engagement. Using actionable data and analytics helped the team make informed adjustments and drive continuous improvement. Ongoing training for on-site teams has supported compliance and proper system use. Proactive Gemba walks—on-site observations of workflow in action—by the supply chain team have enabled real-time problem solving right where it matters most.

"WellBin didn’t just optimize our inventory—it empowered our teams to deliver better care,” said Wellstar CSC Executive Director Adam Flood. “By reducing waste, improving efficiency and enhancing team member satisfaction, WellBin has become a cornerstone of Wellstar’s operational excellence.”

WellBin has been installed at Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Paulding, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Spalding and Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Centers. Installation is underway at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Roosevelt, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Windy Hill. Wellstar Health Parks are slated for WellBin in 2026.

Keep reading
A friendly image of groundbreaking

Newsroom

Wellstar Breaks Ground on New Cancer-Care Facility in Cartersville

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. (June 13, 2025) — Wellstar Health System, in partnership with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, celebrated a major milestone Friday with the ceremonial groundbreaking of its new medical oncology and infusion facility in Cartersville.

Held at the future site at 65 Cloverleaf Drive, the event marks a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced, patient-centered cancer care for residents of Bartow County and the surrounding communities.

“This new facility represents our commitment to delivering world-class cancer care close to home,” said Dr. Michael Andrews, Wellstar’s chief cancer officer. “We’re investing in the health of this community with a space designed to provide advanced treatment options with compassionate, personalized support.”

The 15,000-square-foot facility—slated to open in early spring 2026—will double Wellstar’s infusion capacity in the region. It will feature:

  • 28 infusion chairs
  • 15 patient exam rooms
  • 3 triage rooms
  • 8 blood draw stations
  • A dedicated lab and compounding pharmacy
  • Onsite support services, including genetic counseling and financial navigation

Patients will benefit from a full spectrum of services, including medical oncology, hematology, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and outpatient infusion therapy. The facility will also house an onsite infusion pharmacy with a dedicated clinical pharmacist.

“Our goal is to make cancer care more accessible and less overwhelming,” said Rebeccah George, executive director of operations for outpatient oncology and infusion. “This facility will allow patients to receive cutting-edge treatment in a supportive environment, right here in their own community.”

Dr. Michelle Ojemuyiwa, hematologist and oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, emphasized the importance of local access to care.

“Cancer is a journey no one should have to travel far to face,” she said. “This new facility will allow us to deliver the latest treatments with the compassion our patients deserve—right here in Cartersville.”

The new facility underscores Wellstar’s mission to deliver innovative, high-quality care tailored to each person’s needs. A dedicated team of five oncology providers—including two medical oncologists and three nurse practitioners—will lead care at the location.

Keep reading
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.