Your first visit to the doctor after being diagnosed with kidney disease can be a big deal. Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Michael R. Wiederkehr breaks down what to expect at your first visit with a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates.
Why do I need to see a Nephrologist?
Nephrologists - experts in kidney care - treat conditions that affect the kidneys.
Primary care physicians run routine blood or urine tests. When these results are abnormal, it could indicate that something is wrong with the kidneys. In this case, the primary care doctor will refer the patient to a nephrologist.
Other reasons to see a nephrologist include conditions that affect the kidneys. These include:
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Electrolyte disturbances
What happens at the first Nephrologist Appointment
Dr. Wiederkehr says the first appointment is longer than most appointments.
“You can expect to be present for about an hour because I need to get to know you and discuss some things that I couldn't quite understand from your records,” Dr. Wiederkehr says.
During the visit, the nephrologist is working to create a comprehensive picture of your kidney health and look at how other conditions may be affecting your kidneys.
Blood and urine tests are typically run, and frequently, a kidney ultrasound is arranged at an outside facility. In some cases, a kidney biopsy might be needed, but Dr. Wiederkehr says this is not typical.
An exam is performed that focuses on the kidneys and the organs that are affected by them. The heart, lungs and legs are examined to look at circulation and find out if any swelling is present.
What to bring to your first nephrologist visit
On your first visit to Dallas Nephrology Associates you will need to bring:
- Insurance card
- Drivers license or photo identification
- Completed health history
- All medications you currently take. Be sure to bring the medications rather than just a list of them.
What happens after my first Nephrologist appointment?
After the first appointment, a follow-up visit will be scheduled to discuss the exam and test results. After the follow-up visit, the appointment frequency will be determined by your situation. Patients with conditions that need urgent attention will see their nephrologist sooner and more frequently.
“I think as a rule, if you're a new patient with us, I will see you back in two to three months if it's something that's not urgent,” Dr. Wiederkehr says.