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.

Disclaimer

Dallas Nephrology Associates' (DNA) podcast series, Let's Talk About Kidneys, is provided for general information purposes only and does not replace the need to talk with a healthcare professional about your unique situation, care and options. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible so you can be as informed as possible. Reference to any specific product, service, entity or organization does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by DNA. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity or organization they represent. The views and opinions expressed by DNA employees, contractors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DNA or any of its representatives. Some of the resources identified in the podcast are links to other websites. These other websites may have differing privacy policies from those of DNA. Please be aware that the Internet sites available through these links and the material that you may find there are not under the control of DNA. DNA shall have no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. The resources included or referenced in the podcasts and on the website are provided simply as a service. DNA does not recommend, approve, or endorse any of the content at the linked site(s). The content provided on this website and in the podcasts is not medical advice and should not be used to evaluate, diagnose, treat, or correct any medical condition. The content is solely intended to educate users regarding chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease ("ESRD"), end-stage kidney disease ("ESKD") and related conditions, and ESRD/ESKD treatment options. None of the information provided on this website or referenced in the podcasts is a substitute for contacting a healthcare professional.