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Choosing the right nephrologist
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Feb 20 3:12pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
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,
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Hello jmr4ever,
I am a kidney transplant recipient completed 5 & 1/2 years,
Prior to a the transplant I was seeing a nephrologist under whom my kidney GFR was in a free fall ( fell from 54 to 15) , On one occasion my wife insisted on tagging along to the Visit to the Nephro. Dr ( my wife is outspoken & no nonsense type). My kidney function under this Nephro dropped from 54 to 15 and, she told this Nephrologist that she wanted to donate a kidney to me.... Nephro. responded ..oh He's not ready for a transplant -- you will not be a match ..(based on his past experiences) Then Nephro had to step out.. at that point my wife pointed out me to a Medicare poster ( if kidney function is 20 or less FIND A DONOR or Get your self on the UNOS list). when Nephro came back ... my wife told .. the Nephro..do you mind reading that medicare poster .. Nephro got embarrassed and walked out.. That's when the real search began nationwide for a Transplant Center which would not have such situations. Any way I found out later that he referred patients for Dialysis ( rest is for any one's guess)
I would seriously stay away from a nephrologist who has affliations with Dialysis setups. (strictly my opinion)
Just to end this msg. ( my wife matched & was my kidney donor)
If you test with Quest - you can request for results on day 1 and at end of 5 days Quest will provide Test reports on your quest account. This way you don't have to wait for the Dr.. just make sure that you go testing at least 6/7 working days prior to the Dr's appointment.
Best