Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

To whom should an athlete reporting painful urination and traces of blood without trauma be referred?

1. Oncologist

2. Hematologist

3. Nephrologist

4. Family practice physician

The correct answer is: Family practice physician

In cases where an athlete is experiencing painful urination accompanied by traces of blood, the appropriate referral would be to a family practice physician. This medical professional is trained to handle a wide range of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney issues, and other general health concerns that could be causing these symptoms. A family practice physician can conduct initial assessments, perform necessary tests, and determine the cause of the symptoms whether they are due to an infection, a kidney stone, or other conditions. They have the ability to refer the patient to a specialist if further evaluation or treatment is needed. Other specialists such as oncologists, hematologists, and nephrologists focus on specific areas that may not be the first point of contact for these symptoms. An oncologist deals primarily with cancer, a hematologist focuses on blood disorders, and a nephrologist specializes in kidney-related issues. While these providers may become involved later depending on the findings, the family practice physician is best suited for initial evaluation and management of the athlete's symptoms.