When Should You See a Nephrologist

Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Michael R. Wiederkehr explains when you might need to see a Nephrologist. Dr. Weiderkehr breaks down what a nephrologist does and which tests might indicate it’s time to see a kidney doctor.
What is a Nephrologist?
Nephrologists treat systemic conditions affecting kidneys, such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure) and electrolyte disturbances. They are experts in kidney care.
What is the difference between a Urologist and a Nephrologist?
Urologists and Nephrologists are sometimes confused with each other. Dr. Wiederkehr explains that this is because both doctors deal with the urogenital tract.
Nephrologists aren’t surgeons, but rather Internal Medicine sub specialists, Dr. Wiederkehr says. They are focused on kidney function.
Urologists see patients with kidney tumors, or kidney stones, as well as treat other male issues, such as prostate or erectile dysfunction. They may also help male or female patients who have bladder issues.
Why do I need to see a Nephrologist?
Primary care physicians run routine blood or urine tests. When these results return an abnormal number, it might mean that something is wrong with the kidneys. If this is the case, the primary care doctor refers the patient to a nephrologist.
Dr. Wiederkehr says sometimes there’s a reluctance by patients to see another doctor.
“But there's always a reason why the primary care physician feels that something needs to be seen by a specialist,” he says.
Do I have Kidney Disease if I’m referred to a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist referral does not always mean a kidney disease diagnosis is in your future, Dr. Wiederkehr says.
“Our main purpose is really to find out,” Dr. Wiederkehr says. “And if so, is it something that is more serious, or something that we can just manage periodically with some less close observation?”
Blood pressure, which is closely associated with the kidneys, may need to be regulated. You may also see a nephrologist if you have kidney stones. If this is the case, Dr. Wiederkehr says his goal is to prevent future kidney stone development.
“You may not have kidney disease, it may just be in relation to the kidneys,” Dr. Wiederkehr says.

[@jamesmoore5630]

My doctor of 44 years is a board certified Internal medicine doctor and gerontologist. It has been 1 year since he spotted an eGFR issue and he said that he could do most of the treatment and testing in house. (He is a resident at Presbyterian hospital Dallas/ Medical City). I am going for a blood draw and urinalysis next week. If I need to see a specialist I will certainly look you up!!! Brother James Kendall Moore OSB OFS OSC

[@angelaharris1112]

Thank you. I'm being referred to a Nephrologist based on blood work my Dr got back.

[@rorsargos4982]

Great questions and very helpful explanations. Thank you so much for making this video. It helped me!

[@karengoyette3991]

Very informative well done interview

[@florabraswell-nm1re]

Thank you, very nice thought through interview! You both are a team 👏👍😇🙏💕🙏🇺🇸❤️🙏🇺🇸🙏❤️

[@maryjoseph5485]

Very good information. Thank you so much doctor.

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

I had a 7mm stone. my creatinine levels up to 1.9 and after removing the stone my creatinine is now 1.67 and my EGFR level is 49. My just had another blood test 2 weeks after surgery my creatinine and EGFR are still the same. My questions are, now the surgery is fine and my stent is now removed, can I expect my creatinine’s level to go back down and my EGFR to go back up 🔝 to normal? If so, how long will it take approximately?

[@georgiaoblak8165]

App I have dangerous level of protein in my urine. I'm scared

[@dipalijagadale8097]

Same here .did u consult nephrologist?

[@barssever5367]

Creatnin level?

[@LastTrump7]

@@barssever53671.2

[@angelaharris1112]

Yeah I'm scared too. Just saw my Dr 2 days ago and they called me following day regarding my labs. When that happens it's never good. And now I'm getting a referral.

[@alfrednewman292]

Simple answer, never would be too soon.

[@rballad142]

I have protein in the urine and egfr of 72. My GP just put me on ACE inhibitors assuming it was my BP causing the CKD2. BP was never higher than 140/80, typically 130’s. He won’t refer me to a nephrologist.

[@rballad142]

And my sugar levels are normal.

[@ajaykangule7151]

What's your age?

[@rp7r54]

IF IT WAS ME, I WOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A NEPROHOLOGIST.

[@ronballad7611]

63

[@ronballad7611]

I finally did and was told not to worry about it! EGFR is still 70 and medical according to records has been 66-77 over the past 5 years. I don’t have records prior to that.

[@ChrisGarcia-qq8vp]

I have too much calcium in my kidney.

[@alexciocca4451]

I apologize but all lifetime politicians should take this up

[@jamesmoore5630]

I am cash pay, however I have enough cash to pay each visit.