Avoid this charlatan. At the age of 70, I consulted him because I was having to pee every fifteen minutes. After a year of talks and tests, he persuaded me to have my prostate surgically removed. A year and a half after the surgery, my frequent-urination problem had not improved. His only advice was to have patience; sometimes bladders took a "long time" to "settle down" after a surgery. I consulted my family-practice physician. He figured out that the frequent-urination problem was not caused by something with my bladder or prostate. It was caused by high blood-sugar (diabetes). After I changed my diet and started taking diabetic medicine, my urination problem went away. How is it possible that after years of medical school, and more years of being a practical urologist, Dr. Ruff was unable to imagine an alternative explanation for an old man's frequent-urination problem other than that it was caused by a malfunctioning bladder/prostate? I can only think of two possible explanations. Either he is deeply stupid, or does not care about the welfare of his patients. My advice: stay away from him. read more

Dr. Ruff is very professional and trustworthy. Would highly recommend him if you have to go to an Urologist

I want to add my great thanks to two great doctors both with Urology Austin. Both have made a huge and quite unexpected difference in my life. First, Dr Varun Sundarum, who insisted I do a biopsy, which revealed I had prostate cancer, despite my having no symptoms and not even an elevated PSI. But when the discovery was made, I chose to have Dr. Peter Ruff perform the da Vinci robotic surgery. The preparation for the surgery and meetings with his staff of physical therapists and P.A.'s was an outstanding and truly professional experience, especially for such a sensitive subject. I was thoroughly - and accurately - prepared for what I was facing. I had the surgery 9-15-21, and it went exactly as described. I was home that night. I do not want to make it sound like a breeze, but everything I had imagined in my mind was worse than the actual process. Moreover, I did all the various exercises recommended for rebuilding the "pelvic floor" and I was completely free of any incontinency products by Thanksgiving - exactly 10 weeks after surgery, and only 9 weeks after having the surgical catheter removed. For a 70-year old like me, that was amazing. I'm very happy with that. During my post-surgical meeting with Dr. Ruff, he took as much time as needed to answer my questions, and I felt heard and re-assured that my recovery was progressing perfectly. With confidence in that information, I really have gone full throttle back to my swimming, biking and exercise regimen. I was also lucky to have a triathlon buddy, age 67, who was a previous patient of Dr. Ruff's (who had this surgery in March 2021) help talk through any issues. And now I am offering to help anyone else. I might also mention that the other issue facing men after this surgery -E.D., - has slowly but surely been in the resolution stage. Very pleased with that progress too. Thank you Dr. Ruff, Dr. Sundarum, Amanda L, Jill Z, and all the staff for your professionalism, care, honestly and patience. Claude E. Ducloux read more

Peter Ruff, MD - Urologists Near Me - Austin, Texas

Dr Ruff is very personable and is good at explanations. He offers all options and he is very supportive. He makes health issues easier to deal with. This doctor is very likable. read more

The best! I have gone to Dr. Ruff since I got old and he has been wonderful. I always get fast responses and information. This is a doctor I really trust and recommend. read more

I would not just pick any doctor to do my first surgery. Doctor Peter Ruff is a great doctor: intelligent, careful, kind, and concerned. Very articulate, his consults where some of the best i have ever had. His calm, positive presence really helped me post-surgery and post-diagnosis. Terri O'Way, the office manager, is an angel who oversaw Urology Austin's correction of a problem i had with the billing department caused by cuts in Texas Medicaid. Unfortunately these billing issues delayed my surgery by 6 months, and by then my tumor had become infected. * When we are ready for a real solution to America's healthcare problems - the simplest, most compassionate, most cost-effective plan - which every other developed nation except the United States has for these reasons - is: SINGLE PAYER UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE / MEDICARE FOR ALL read more

I liked Dr Ruff a good deal, as well as Heather, his nurse practitioner. They were thorough, took a lot of time with me BUT negotiating the office is almost impossible. Ruff's nurse simply doesn't return phone calls. There is no way to get directly through to the front desk. I almost didn't go back, and I don't know that I will after the current issue is resolved. read more

When me and my wife concluded that my prostate surgery would be via robotic assistance Dr. Ruff was the first recommendation to perform the procedure. He explained everything in simple terms that were easily understood. He answered all of the questions I had. My experience through the whole process was outstanding. Dr. Ruff was fabulous through it all. Thank you and cheers to you. read more

Had my vasectomy done here. Excellent doctor. Listened to all of my questions and concerns. Very responsive via their online portal as well.

While getting a CT scan for a kidney stone, a mass was found on my other kidney. My GP said I had to go to a urologist to have it removed. I immediately started researching urologists in Austin. I chose Dr. Ruff because of his reviews. I was not disappointed. I was able to get an appointment in 3 weeks which is fast for a specialist in Austin. I was very anxious going to the first appt but was put at ease by the friendly check-in person. The waiting room was full but people were being called back regularly. After a short wait it was my turn. Nurses were pleasant and I felt relaxed while waiting to see Dr. Ruff. When he came in he had already reviewed my scan sent by my GP and told me what needed to be done. We discussed several options but the obvious choice was a partial nephrectomy using the DaVinci robot which Dr. Ruff is experienced at using. (He was recently recognized for his expertise.) I was scheduled for surgery within a few weeks. Had the surgery a week ago. Was walking soon after surgery (something the Dr. is adamant about!) Went home the next day and only took Tylenol to control pain which wasn't too bad. I was offered something stronger but didn't need it. One week out I am back on my daily walks and functioning normally except No Lifting things. Overall I highly recommend Dr. Ruff and his staff. A special shout-out to Meredith, surgery scheduler, for organizing everything through my insurance and with the hospital for pre-op requirements. She answered all my questions and kept me informed throughout. You will be in excellent hands (literally) with Dr. Ruff. read more

Dr. Ruff removed my kidney last week and I am so grateful to him and his staff. Dr. Ruff was incredibly kind, patient, and very clear throughout the entire progress. As happy as I am to be improving, I'm sad he won't be my doctor anymore! read more

Dr. Ruff is my third urologist in a year, and the only one of the three that I'd ever return to. I wasn't thrilled by his office (tiny examination rooms and a very crowded waiting room) or his staff (hard to contact, not especially helpful) or how difficult it is to get an appointment (months in advance), so it says something, I think, that I'd still give him 5 stars. Absolutely competent, and an outstanding surgeon. I'm completely healthy for the first time in a very long while, and it's pretty much completely his doing. read more

Dr Ruff performed robotic prostate removal on my partner. He explained everything and what we could expect and the process. My husband had a "textbook surgery" and there were no complications or infections. He was off pain pills in 3 days. In two weeks he was walking a lot and feeling good. We had a 4 week checkup today and he is remarkably healed. Dr. Ruff gave us additional information and options today to assist with ramifications of this surgery. He is an excellent surgeon that educates his patients. What more could one ask for? We have already referred one friend to Dr Ruff. I am grateful we found him. read more

I became acquainted with Dr. Ruff after my local doctor, while testing for something entirely different, discovered that I had a tumor on my right kidney. I was in need of a Urologist, pronto, and Dr. Peter Ruff was suggested. Within one week of the discovery, I had an appointment with Dr. Ruff and plans were made to take care of my problem. He explained everything in great detail using language that my husband, daughter and I could understand. He gave us options and told us what to expect at every turn. Yes, cancer is scary, but Dr. Ruff explained my situation so well, that we expected nothing but promising positive results. And we were not disappointed. Surgery went as explained and as expected. Now, one week after having the tumor, and only part of my kidney removed, I am well on my way to a full recovery. Oh, and every discussion we had ended with him saying, "Now, do you have any questions?" We appreciated that. He is very friendly and has an excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend choosing Dr. Peter Ruff in Austin, TX, if you ever need a Urologist/Surgeon. I did, and I live over 5 1/2 hours from Austin. I'm so glad I made the choice to have Dr. Ruff be my doctor and surgeon. read more

Vasectomy. Great doctor. Super smart and considerate. Skilled at the procedure and great bedside manner.

After what I consider to be serious lapses in patient care and treatment guidance I was forced to seek care from another medical practice. In February, 2015 Dr. Ruff discussed with me the results of a prostate biopsy he had performed in January. He related to me that the pathology report indicated cancer in 6 of the 12 cores that were taken and that my Gleason score was 7. We discussed treatment options based on that pathology and the assumption that a bone scan and MRI would be favorable. He made a convincing case for the probable success of a surgical monotherapy approach. He indicated that such a procedure would have to wait for at least six weeks, until the swelling from the biopsy receded. He then indicated that he would immediately schedule me for the bone scan and the MRI. I inquired if the swelling would affect the MRI and he stated that it would not be a problem. When I showed up for my appointment at Austin Radiology Associates in February, they indicated that although they could administer the bone scan they had to wait at least six weeks for the swelling to recede in order to administer the MRI. In addition it was subsequently determined that Dr. Ruff had prescribed the wrong MRI (it should have been a prostate MRI not a pelvic MRI). I waited two weeks for the results of the bone scan. During that time I tried to reach Dr. Ruff through his nurse who did not return my call. A person from scheduling called and told me that I could schedule another appointment with him to go over the scan results and treatment options. This only served to heighten my anxiety about the results. I finally called after hours and spoke to a sympathetic doctor who intervened by contacting Dr. Ruff. Dr. Ruff then called me and related that the scan was negative. He apologized and said that he thought someone had already given me the results. In that conversation I told him that the clinical notes he had posted on the patient portal indicated that cancer was in 12 out of 12 cores which was in conflict with his verbal input to me. He assured me that he was looking at the pathology report and that the correct information was indeed 6 out of 12 cores. I then met with a radiologist from another practice. As we reviewed the pathology report I was surprised to see that my Gleason score was reported as 8 not 7. This change, of course has a profound effect on treatment considerations. It is unclear how or why Dr. Ruff would convey such inaccurate information. On a less medical but still important note, in each of my three appointments with Dr. Ruff at Urology Austin I waited an hour past my appointment time before I was able to see him. In only one case his nurse apologized for the delay. With the exception of the exit administrator, the office staff radiated an attitude of uncaring and discourtesy. Instructions such as "Sit there", "Fill this in", and "Pee in the cup" could have easily been improved with a simple "please". The cumulative effect of these shortcomings formed the basis of my decision to seek someone else, from a different practice to guide and support my treatment. read more

Dr.Peter Ruff is a great doctor and a fine surgeon. He removed a kidney cyst the size of the kidney. I walked out of the hospital the next day. I was free of the pain on my right side caused by the massive cyst. Thanks a lot and highly recommended. read more

Like most people hope, I never thought I'd get cancer, but fortunately for me, it was found incidental to an MRI I'd gotten for my back in Oct 2011. I ended up getting another doctor's recommendation to see Dr Peter Ruff, a Urologist in Austin. Dr Ruff is easy to talk to, is a good listener and takes time to let you talk out your concerns. He gives you honest feedback and is very patient. In Feb 2012 Dr Ruff laparoscopically removed one of my kidneys and I've been under his care and watchful eyes ever since. The surgery went well and recovery was rapid for me. If you are looking for a Urologist/surgeon who is very skilled, caring and inspires confidence, I highly recommend my Doctor, Peter Ruff. read more

Dr. Peter Ruff is great in person, but it takes an act of God to get his nurse (or him) to call you back for lab results. I have tried calling several times, left multiple voicemails, and left messages with the receptionists to have someone call me back with the results. The results aren't posted in their patient portal as they should be. Thank goodness my issue isn't life threatening or anything, but what does it take to get a call back from your doctor? read more

Excellent patient interaction. This Doctor actually listens to you and responds accordingly.

I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Peter Ruff. He is a great and easy-to-talk to physician and surgeon who takes the time to have a dialogue and address your questions. My issue resulted in surgery and it was performed, and I recovered, without a single post-operative issue. Dr. Peter Ruff has my fullest, and unmitigated, recommendation. read more

I am so thankful my choice for acute medical care was handled by Dr. Ruff and Dr. Pickett at Urology Austin. They are exactly what you want before, during and after a medical emergency, as well as a routine care and surgery. Extremely smart, calm, thorough and empathetic. Dr. Ruff performed surgery using the DaVinci robot. I knew exactly what to expect and my recovery was faster than anticipated due to his precise skill. If you are faced with having surgery, you want Dr. Ruff in your corner. read more