About my Visit
Why am I here?
"Your creatinine is elevated."Creatinine is a substance in the blood that is checked in routine lab tests by your doctor. It is a product of muscle breakdown and everyone generates a set amount of creatinine on a daily basis depending on muscle mass. The creatinine levels in the blood reach a steady state, depending on how well the kidneys are getting rid of it. Nephrologists test creatinine levels as an indicator of kidney function; levels that are higher than normal may reflect kidneys that are not working up to par.
"Your eGFR is decreased."
Many labs are reporting estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in addition to creatinine levels. The result of this test is calculated from other blood tests (including creatinine) and it estimates how well the kidneys filter the blood. A reduced eGFR may indicate a reduction in kidney function.
"Your blood pressure is too high."
The kidneys are fundamental in controlling your body's blood pressure. In some cases, high blood pressure is an indication of an underlying kidney disorder. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to kidney injury; treating high blood pressure is an important part of keeping your kidneys healthy.
"You have protein in your urine."
The primary function of your kidneys is to filter and purify your blood. Normally protein in your blood is held back and none of it is supposed to get into the urine. Having protein in the urine is usually an indicator of damage to the filters in your kidneys. Many different processes (the most common is diabetes) can cause the filters to become leaky.
"You have blood in your urine."
Blood in the urine (hematuria) may be present if the urine is discolored red or brown. Small traces of blood, which can only be seen by a microscope, can also be detected on routine analysis of urine ordered by your doctor. The presence of blood in the urine may be a sign that the kidneys are injured.
"You have kidney stones."
Kidney stones result from unusually high amounts of substances normally present in the urine, such as calcium and uric acid, crystallizing and growing into a solid structure within the kidney. There are many elements including diet, fluid intake, and imbalances in urine chemistry that can predispose you to kidney stones. Evaluation and treatment by a nephrologist can identify risk factors and reduce the likelihood of stones from forming in the future.
About your appointment
Click here to download a printable checklist.If you are a new patient you will need to bring the following:
- New lab work.
- Reason why you were referred to us by your PCP.
- Complete list of medications, including dosage.
- Photo ID.
- Insurance Card.
- If your insurance requires a referral you will need to bring the referral with you.
- Lab work. Not older than 30 days prior to visit.
- Complete list of medications, including dosage.
- If there are any changes to your insurance, please bring your new card with you.
- If your insurance requires a referral you will need to bring the referral with you.