Who are nephrologists?
Nephrologists are internal medicine physicians who treat diseases and conditions affecting the kidneys. Did you know that the kidneys filter 120 to 150 liters of blood each day? These organs help eliminate body waste, maintain electrolytes, and produce hormones that generate red blood cells, strengthen bones, and control blood pressure. They also help monitor and balance the body's acid-base and water levels.
Kidney specialists can treat fluid retention, high blood pressure, acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and acute renal failure. They also help patients whose kidneys have wholly or partially stopped working. Such patients require dialysis to replace kidney function; hence, they educate their patients on monitoring themselves and provide constant care and support.
Nephrologists work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, universities, private practices, and research facilities. However, they can only provide medicinal support and are not licensed to perform surgeries.
What kind of education and training do nephrologists receive?
Aspiring nephrologists must complete their graduation before applying to medical school; after successfully gaining admission to an accredited medical training program, aspirants study and train for four years. They concentrate on theory during the first two years, while the next two involve clinical work in medical settings, including hospitals or clinics. Students then obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or an Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Moving forward, these doctors enroll in a three-year residency in internal medicine. Doctors study and train experts to diagnose and appropriately manage acute and chronic diseases. On completion, they must apply for board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). To begin practicing as a nephrologist, doctors should further complete a fellowship in nephrology, which may take an additional two or three years. They must then clear a stringent state licensing examination.
Those who wish to specialize further must do a two- to three-year fellowship in subspecialties such as pediatric nephrology, clinical nephrology, research nephrology, etc. They can also do an additional year-long fellowship in interventional or transplant nephrology.
Tests and procedures a kidney doctor might perform or order
If you are seeing a nephrologist near you, they may conduct the following tests:
Laboratory tests: Various tests can evaluate kidney function using blood or urine samples.
Blood tests:
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures kidney function by tracking how well the kidneys filter blood. GFR levels decline in kidney disease.
- Creatinine is a waste product at higher blood serum levels due to kidney dysfunction.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels indicate kidney dysfunction, like creatinine.
Urine tests:
- Urinalysis can test a urine sample for abnormal blood, glucose, protein, or bacteria levels using a dipstick to measure pH and detect their presence.
- The albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) measures the albumin and creatinine ratio in your urine, an indicator of kidney function.
- 24-hour urine collection involves collecting all urine produced in this period using a particular container. The sample can then be further tested.
- Creatinine clearance measures the amount of creatinine filtered by the kidneys within a given period, typically 24 hours. This measurement is calculated using blood and 24-hour urine samples.
Procedures
Aside from interpreting laboratory test results, the nephrologist near you may collaborate with other specialists to perform ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays, and dialysis, including catheter placement, kidney biopsies, and kidney transplants.
Common diseases treated by nephrology specialists
A nephrologist can help treat the following conditions:
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a group of conditions that damage the glomeruli, the tiny kidney filtering units that clean the blood. When these filters are harmed, it can lead to serious issues like kidney failure. Factors, including infections and immune system disorders, can cause this condition. People with glomerulonephritis often experience symptoms such as blood in the urine, swelling, and fatigue. Treatment usually involves medication and addressing the underlying cause.
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome happens when the kidneys leak too much protein into the urine due to damage. This can lead to blood clots, high cholesterol, and swelling in different body parts. The signs of nephrotic syndrome often include noticeable swelling, especially around the eyes and in the ankles and feet. People may also notice foamy urine caused by excess protein, weight gain from fluid retention, tiredness, lack of appetite, poor growth among children, and generally feeling unwell. A nephrologist typically confirms the diagnosis through tests and prescribes medication to help manage symptoms or treat the root cause.
Pyelonephritis
Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, are a type of UTI (urinary tract infection). It starts in the urethra or bladder and travels up to the kidneys. These infections can cause the kidneys to swell and, if not treated quickly, may lead to permanent damage. Symptoms often include a high fever, pain in the back, sides, or groin, frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, a burning feeling during urination, and urine that may contain blood or pus, appear cloudy, or smell unpleasant. If left untreated, kidney infections can cause lasting kidney damage or spread to the bloodstream, becoming life-threatening.
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is a genetic condition where clusters of cysts form in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can grow larger and damage the kidneys. People with PKD may experience pain in the abdomen, high blood pressure, and frequent urination. The ailment has no cure, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and preventing complications.
Nephrologist vs. urologist
The fields of nephrology and urology have some overlap since they involve the kidneys, but their focuses differ. A nephrologist specializes in diseases and conditions that directly affect the kidneys. On the other hand, a urologist deals with disorders and conditions that can affect the male and female urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises the kidneys and other parts, such as the ureters, bladder, and urethra. Additionally, a urologist can work with the male reproductive organs, including the penis, testes, and prostate.
Urologists treat a variety of conditions, including kidney stones, bladder infections, bladder control issues, erectile dysfunction, and an enlarged prostate.
When should you visit a nephrologist near you?
Often, a primary care doctor or a family physician makes referrals to a nephrologist in case of any kidney-related symptoms that need a specialist's care. For example, elevated creatine levels or blood urea levels could mean the kidneys are not functioning adequately, leading to a build-up of excess minerals or salts in the body. On the other hand, recurring kidney stones can block the glomerular filtration, damaging the kidneys if not treated in time.
Additionally, those diagnosed with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) have a higher chance of developing kidney diseases, damage, or kidney failure. Symptoms of chronic UTIs include fatigue, blood in the urine, and fever. These can also signify the early stages of kidney or bladder cancer; therefore, only a nephrologist near you can help diagnose and treat such cases.
Another problem patients commonly encounter is foamy urine, which can indicate proteinuria (high amounts of protein in urine), which can damage the kidneys. Other kidney-related symptoms include muscle cramping and shortness of breath. If you notice these, you should visit a kidney specialist immediately.
How do I prepare for a nephrology appointment?
Here are some suggestions on how to prepare for a nephrology appointment:
1. Complete any forms provided by the nephrologist near you before your appointment.
2. Prepare a list of the most critical issues you want to discuss during your visit.
3. Note any changes in your overall health since your last appointment.
4. Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting each occurrence's date, time, and duration.
5. Familiarize yourself with your family medical history, which can aid your nephrologist's assessment.
6. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy examination and adjustment.
7. Compile a list of any past surgeries you've undergone.
8. Bring copies of other healthcare providers' test results or lab work.
9. Provide contact information for your primary care physician and regular healthcare providers.
10. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, bring your monitoring device with you.
11. Bring a comprehensive list of all medications you currently take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
12. Have your current insurance cards available.
13. Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member along to help take notes, ask questions, and assist with scheduling and follow-up arrangements.
14. Inquire about scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments before concluding your visit.
How does one find a good nephrologist near you in New York?
Zocdoc makes finding the right nephrologist near you who is knowledgeable and suited to your needs simple. On this platform, the entire database of doctors is available for free once you register and log in. Go to the website and type the following details into the search fields: symptoms or conditions you need assistance with, the kind of doctor you wish to see, the preferred appointment time and date, your home address, your zip code, etc. In an instant, Zocdoc will search its database and give you a list of specialists specially curated to meet your criteria.
You can schedule both in-person and online consultations with Zocdoc. Each nephrologist listed on the website has a profile, which you can access by selecting the practitioner's name. The profile describes their education and training, professional experience, licenses and certificates, accreditation and affiliations, and any prior awards they have won. The profile page also provides information about their office hours and locations where you may schedule a consultation. Additionally, you can learn about the doctors' gender, the languages they speak well, the typical age range of their patients, and the medical disorders in which they specialize.
Locating kidney doctors near you who accept your medical insurance plan is essential. On Zocdoc, you can instantly learn which specialist takes your existing insurance by selecting it from the drop-down menu.
You can also search for a nephrologist near you who takes your insurance policy, or you can use Zocdoc's insurance checker to get more information about your plan's coverage. Although linking your insurance information to your account simplifies the procedure, it may sometimes raise privacy problems. However, Zocdoc uses industry best practices to protect your details so that you can rest assured. When you book an appointment on Zocdoc, you must enter your insurance details or confirm that you'll pay out of pocket. Some doctors only allow you to book if you provide insurance information. If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can choose a different provider on Zocdoc. If you have additional questions, please contact Zocdoc's patient help center or read more about the company's data and privacy policies here.
On Zocdoc, booking appointments is quick, cost-free, and secure!
Statistics on kidney disease and other chronic conditions in New York
According to the American Journal of Renal Diseases, by 2030, a 27% increase in chronic kidney disease will occur due to a rise in unhealthy lifestyles. Moreover, according to the National Kidney Foundation, one in three people is at risk of developing a kidney disorder. The kidneys may not operate as well after age 50, increasing the risk of chronic renal disease in those over 60. Kidney disease is also more likely to strike someone with diabetes or breast cancer.
According to America's Health Rankings, 2.8% of adults in New York State were diagnosed with kidney diseases in 2020. This excludes bladder infection or incontinence and kidney stones. The condition's incidence was slightly higher in men (3.2%) than in women (2.5%). Those 65 and above (6.1%) were more likely to be diagnosed with kidney diseases. The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (2.7%) and those aged 18 to 44 (1.3%).
Chronic cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure can increase kidney pressure, leading to kidney disease. Conversely, kidney disease can also cause heart disease and high blood pressure. According to America's Health Rankings, 29.6% of adults in New York were diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension in 2019. The condition's incidence was higher in men (32.4%) than in women (27.1%). The incidence of high blood pressure increased with age, with 57.5% of those 65 and above being diagnosed with hypertension. The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (36.4%) and those aged 18 to 44 (11.8%).
Sources
Healthline
Doctorly.org
WebMD
America's Health Ranking[1]
America's Health Ranking[2]
Cleveland Clinic
Associates in Nephrology, PC
