What to Expect at Your First Appointment with Your Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor)

Seeing a kidney doctor can be an intimidating experience but with nearly 810,000 Americans living with kidney failure, it’s become a necessity. We’ve got you covered so you can know what to expect on your first visit. Make the most of your appointment with your nephrologist by being prepared. 

What is a Nephrologist?

First things first, what is a nephrologist? Also known as a kidney doctor, these are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases, including kidney failure. They assess the following:

• Kidney function
• Manage kidney dialysis
• Prescribe medications

On top of that, doctors often collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care. 

How to Prepare for Your First Visit

There’s nothing worse than showing up for an appointment unprepared. Before your first visit, it’s important to gather all relevant medical information. That’s why we’ve compiled a helpful list to keep you prepared and ready to roll:

• Recent lab results
• Kidney-related issues you may have been experiencing
• Make a list of questions you would like to ask your kidney doctor during the appointment

Once you’ve got all that sorted, remember to bring your insurance cards and a valid form of photo identification.

What Happens During Your Appointment

This is where you reap the benefits of your tireless preparation. During the appointment, your kidney doctor will assess the medical history that you prepared and provided. From there, they will take your blood pressure and analyze a urine sample to conduct the necessary tests.

To get the most out of your appointment, you can also ask questions so that any information not provided during the assessment is made clear. Here are a few examples:

– What kidney-related issues do I have?

– What type of kidney treatment will be best for me?

– What are kidney disease prevention tips that I can use?

– What happens if my kidney disease progresses?

What to Do After the Appointment

After-appointment steps are just as important as pre-appointment steps. After your visit, you might be prescribed medications or treatments to manage kidney disease, if it is found.

So make sure you follow through with any instructions given by your kidney doctor and keep up with appointments or tests that have been recommended. These instructions can be any of the following:

• Dietary changes
• Medication adjustments
• Follow-up appointments

Preparing for your first kidney appointment can seem overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be.

Trust Our Nephrologist at the Texas Kidney Institute

At Texas Kidney Institute, we provide comprehensive kidney care from experienced nephrologists. Our kidney doctors partner with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and ensure they receive the best kidney care possible by listening to your kidney-related concerns, comprehensively answering any questions you have, and prescribing medications or treatments as needed

If you’re looking for a nephrologist, trust our experienced team at the Texas Kidney Institute. Contact us today to learn more about kidney care and our kidney doctors.