There are 104 Nephrologists in Skokie, IL and 47% of those with reviews are rated 4-star or higher. Some of the most common clinical focuses include Nephrological Conditions and Glomerulonephritis & Nephropathy. Popular hospitals in the area include Swedish Hospital, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Evanston Hospital.
A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your kidney. Nephrologists are experts in kidney function who also study how kidney disease can harm other areas of your body.
Your kidneys are involved in several important bodily functions, including:
high-blood pressure management through the release of certain hormones
waste and excess fluid removal from your blood
mineral, water, and electrolyte balancing
What conditions do nephrologists treat?
Nephrologists diagnose and treat several conditions that affect your kidneys. They also get involved when other health factors contribute to kidney disease and dysfunction, such as:
autoimmune diseases: a group of diseases where your immune system attacks your body
blood in urine: an indication that you may have an infection, kidney disease, or cancer
Nephrologists will perform different procedures depending on the reason for your visit. For initial visits, your nephrologist may perform diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and urinalysis. Depending on your lab results, a nephrologist may also perform the following procedures:
imaging tests of your kidneys, including ultrasounds and X-rays
dialysis, which involves a machine that’s used to filter and purify your blood
renal biopsies, in which kidney tissue samples are taken for lab analysis
kidney transplant, which is a procedure that replaces failing kidneys with healthy ones
When should I contact a nephrologist?
Usually, your primary care physician will refer you to a nephrologist when they suspect you have kidney-related symptoms that a specialist knows how to treat. Some of the most common reasons for a visit to a nephrologist include chronic urinary tract infections or recurring kidney stones. However, you may need to visit a nephrologist more often if you have:
a family history of kidney disease
chronic kidney disease
diabetes
heart disease
high blood pressure
What can I expect from a nephrologist appointment?
You can expect your nephrologist to conduct a standard physical exam during your first appointment. Then your nephrologist will ask questions about any medications you currently take and your family history.
Depending on your symptoms, your nephrologist may also recommend additional tests, such as a urinalysis. They will then discuss your treatment plan and go over recommended medications, lifestyle changes, and future appointments.
What questions should I ask my nephrologist?
It’s important that you prepare for your appointment with your nephrologist. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of good questions to ask:
What were my lab results?
What caused my kidney issues or failure?
If my kidney condition is chronic, how long will it be before I require dialysis?
What type of dialysis do you recommend for my condition?
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make now to reduce my risk of kidney failure?
How long will my treatment plan take, or how long will it be ongoing?
Are there any medications and dietary changes you recommend I make?
Will I need a kidney transplant? If so, what are my options?
Will I eventually need dialysis?
You may use these questions as a starting point, but feel free to add your own. A good practice is to also ask for additional information and take notes during your appointment.
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