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Choosing the right nephrologist
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Feb 20 3:12pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
@jmr4ever welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Could you make a list of “what you are looking for” and “your expectations”? That might help to clarify if the fit between you and the nephrologist is a good one.
You mentioned having lupus. Your rheumatologist is caring for your lupus? Lupus can be related to kidney problems so it would be good if the rheumatologist and nephrologist have some affiliation to make collaboration easier. Are you happy with your rheumatologist?
Who ordered the renal biopsy and why? You should always be able to get biopsy results from the ordering provider in a timely manner. You should also always be able to get your lab results whenever you ask for them. They are your results after all.
I am blessed to have a large health service practice that has all the specialties I could ever need and more. This includes endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology, neurology, dieticians / nutritionists, cardiology ….. etc. These are all areas you could benefit from. Did you know that diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the two most common causes of kidney problems?
Before you switch practices find out if they have the specialties you may be needing. Find out if their providers are willing to collaborate with each other to give you the total care that you need.
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I really like my rheumatologist and he is part of a large heath system with many resources. My PCP referred me to the first nephrologist in the same health system as the rheumatologist. The biopsy was ordered by the nephrologist but in collaboration with my rheumatologist to rule out Lupus nephritis, which I did not have. That nephrologist is the one I couldn’t see for 8 months after the biopsy. I did however receive the results of the biopsy right away on my patient portal. This system releases information to the patient right away.
Since I’ve had this exposure to different nephrologists and practices I now know what I need, and you are right on about making a list of “must haves”. Thank you for the suggestion. I have one more appointment in a few weeks with the office that “doesn’t release information to patients” and will be setting up meetings with two other practices for consultations who are part of a large integrated health network. I think that was what you were referring to that you have. As you said, and I agree they have more resources and are more accountable to patient satisfaction results also.
The current practice I’m in is not part of a local health system and and is owned by DaVita, a national corporation,