When you need to see a nephrologist, HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care - St. Elizabeth's offers patient-first care to keep your kidneys healthy. Find out more about what a nephrologist does below.
What are the most common conditions seen/treated in nephrology?
- Acute and chronic kidney disease
- Proteinuria and albuminuria
- Hypertension and renal complications
- Secondary hypertension investigation
- Diabetes and renal complications
- Kidney stones
- Electrolyte disturbances including sodium, potassium and calcium
- Renal osteodystrophy/gout
- End-stage renal disease, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy and post-kidney transplant care
Do you recommend any preventive screenings/tests to catch nephrology issues early?
Screening for chronic kidney disease includes getting yearly or semi-yearly labs for a basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel. In addition, the elderly and patients with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease should have urine microalbuminuria or proteinuria checks.
When do you recommend someone see a nephrologist?
We recommend seeing a nephrology provider when you experience:
- Worsening kidney functions (ex. rising urea and creatinine levels) or reduction in glomerular filtration rate (especially if below 60 or if steadily declining)
- Proteinuria and albuminuria
- Poorly controlled hypertension
- Kidney stones
What technologies do you use to help provide the best care for your patients?
The technologies we most often use include blood and urine testing, renal ultrasound, renal Doppler ultrasound and CT scan.
Are certain people more prone to having nephrology issues?
Elderly people and people with other comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease may be more likely to have a nephrology condition.
To see an HSHS Medical Group nephrologist, call 618-641-5803 or schedule an appointment online.