Questions and answers
How much does a consultation with Dr Penev cost?
Initial consultation – €50, follow-up (check-up) consultation – €30. The prices are the same in Plovdiv and Karlovo. The prices of additional tests and procedures are given in advance. Dr Penev also works with the NHIF (Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund) – with a referral from your GP, you pay only the standard NHIF user fee.
How do I book an appointment?
By phone on +359 878 605 613, online on Superdoc (a Bulgarian online booking site, in Bulgarian), where you can see the free slots, or with the appointment request form on this website – we will contact you within one working day.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
It is not required. Dr Penev works with the NHIF: if you have a referral (form No. 3) from your GP, the consultation is covered by the health insurance fund and you pay only the standard NHIF user fee. Without a referral, you can book a paid consultation. When you book, tell us whether you have a referral. Also bring any previous test results, hospital discharge summaries or imaging you have.
How should I prepare for the consultation?
Write down your symptoms and how long you have had them, and bring a list of the medicines you take and any previous test results. For an ultrasound of the bladder and prostate, come with a full bladder – drink 500–700 ml of water about an hour before the consultation.
How long does the consultation take?
Usually 20–30 minutes – a conversation, an examination, ultrasound if needed and a discussion of the plan. Complex cases or children may take longer.
Is a prostate examination painful?
The rectal examination of the prostate takes a few seconds and is uncomfortable, but not painful. Dr Penev explains every step in advance. For many patients, ultrasound gives enough information.
Do you see children?
Yes. Children are examined with a parent present, gently and without rushing. The most common problems in children are phimosis, undescended testicle, bedwetting and urinary tract infections.
Do you see women?
Yes. A urologist treats conditions of the kidneys, bladder and urethra in women – cystitis and urinary infections, stones, blood in the urine, incontinence, frequent urination.
In which languages are consultations held?
In Bulgarian, English and German.
Where are operations performed?
Operations and endoscopic procedures are performed at the Department of Urology at Kaspela University Hospital (UMBAL Kaspela) in Plovdiv, whose team includes Dr Penev. The consultations before and after can be at the practice in Plovdiv or in Karlovo.
What should I do if I have urgent symptoms?
If you have severe pain, a high temperature with chills, cannot pass urine, have sudden pain in a testicle or a lot of blood in your urine, seek emergency help immediately – call 112 (the European emergency number) or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Is my data kept safe?
Yes. The website does not use tracking cookies. Data from the appointment request are used only to contact you and are not shared with third parties other than the hosting provider. Details are in the Privacy Policy.