Dr. Alexandra Ellen Bascom

Dr. Alexandra Bascom addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders

• Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.
• Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).

Prostate & Male Genital Conditions

• Prostatitis (Acute & Chronic Bacterial, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome): Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, causing pain, urinary difficulties, and other symptoms.
• Peyronie's Disease: A condition where scar tissue (plaque) forms under the skin of the penis, causing curved, painful erections.
• Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.
• Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Alexandra Bascom.

• Adrenal Tumor Urological Evaluation & Surgical Management: Assessing and surgically removing adrenal masses when indicated from a urological perspective.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Urological Aspects & Surgical Repair (e.g., Cystocele Repair): Evaluation and surgical management of bladder prolapse and other urological components of POP, often in collaboration with urogynecologists.
• Urethral Conditions in Women (e.g., Urethral Diverticulum, Stricture): Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female urethra.
• Prostate Biopsy (TRUS-guided): Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy to obtain prostate tissue samples for cancer diagnosis.
• Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery (Laparoscopic & Robotic-Assisted): Performing complex urological surgeries using small incisions and advanced technology for reduced recovery time (e.g., for prostate, kidney, bladder conditions).
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller, passable fragments.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Bascom for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Bascom practices within a urology department located in a modern medical facility near central Comox. The clinic is conveniently situated close to local points of interest, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit options serve the area, facilitating access for patients without private transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all patients can comfortably receive care. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing easy and safe access to the clinic for all patients.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Bascom, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Bascom, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Bascom's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bascom, a Urologist?

Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in BC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Bascom. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.

What is a PSA test and who should have it?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Bascom, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.

What does a Urologist like Dr. Bascom specialize in?

A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). She is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Bascom provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.

What does a vasectomy involve if performed by Dr. Bascom?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for permanent male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Dr. Bascom would perform this procedure, usually in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It's a highly effective form of birth control. It's important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and the fact that it's considered permanent with Dr. Bascom beforehand.

What are kidney stones and how does Dr. Bascom treat them?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms might require procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy with laser to remove or break them, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones. Dr. Bascom will also work with you on strategies to prevent future stones.

618 Anderton Rd Ste 105, North Island Urology
Comox, BC V9M 0C3

Phone: (778) 431-0200

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bascom is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Bascom for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339312/Bascom%2CAlexandra