A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the care of the kidneys. Because kidney disease often develops quietly, many people are referred to a nephrologist later than they should be. Seeing a specialist early gives you the best chance to slow or prevent damage. Here are seven signs it may be time to make an appointment.
1. Your eGFR is falling
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a blood test that measures how well your kidneys filter. A result that is consistently below 60, or that is dropping over time, is one of the clearest reasons to see a nephrologist.
2. There is protein or blood in your urine
Protein in the urine (proteinuria or a high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage. Persistent blood in the urine (hematuria) also warrants a specialist’s evaluation.
3. Your blood pressure is hard to control
The kidneys and blood pressure are deeply connected. If your blood pressure remains high despite three or more medications, a nephrologist can look for kidney-related causes and protect the organ from further strain.
4. You have diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Anyone living with diabetes benefits from kidney monitoring, and early specialist care can dramatically slow diabetic kidney disease.
5. You get recurrent kidney stones
Repeated kidney stones can signal an underlying metabolic problem. A nephrologist can order a metabolic workup and build a prevention plan to keep you out of the emergency room.
6. You have a family history of kidney disease
Conditions such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and some forms of glomerulonephritis run in families. If a close relative has kidney disease or needed dialysis, screening is wise.
7. Your electrolytes are abnormal
Hard-to-explain abnormalities in sodium, potassium, calcium, or bicarbonate often point back to the kidneys, and are a common reason other physicians refer to nephrology.
What to expect at your first visit
A first nephrology visit is a conversation. Your physician will review your records and medications, order targeted labs and sometimes imaging, and explain what your numbers mean in plain language, then build a written plan for monitoring and protecting your kidneys. A referral from your primary care physician is often all it takes to begin.
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have concerns about your kidney health, please speak with a physician.
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Most patients across the CSRA are seen within two weeks.