Patients with kidney diseases and disorders, such as kidney stones, renal failure, and blood pressure problems, are treated a nephrologist. A specialist evaluates laboratory findings, diagnostic images, and symptoms to make a diagnosis. Based on expert knowledge of pathology, he or she then determines the best medications or other treatments to offer. Nephrologists work in a variety of settings, including general hospitals, internal medicine specialty clinics, joint and private practices, and joint and private practices.
Nephrologists are typically referred to patients their primary care physicians. A nephrologist reviews information provided the referring doctor and conducts a thorough physical examination when meeting with a new patient. He or she may choose to perform diagnostic imaging tests or collect blood, urine, or tissue samples for laboratory testing. To confirm the presence of a disease, the doctor examines the results of diagnostic tests.
Kidney function can be harmed a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Patients with urinary tract infections, recurring kidney stones, renal inflammation, and hypertension are frequently treated specialists. Nephrologists also deal with a variety of other conditions that can cause or result in kidney problems, such as protein deficiencies, cancer, and inherited autoimmune disorders.
A nephrologist may write a prescription or administer medications directly in his or her office after making a diagnosis. To avoid complications, some kidney problems require very specific dietary and lifestyle choices, and a nephrologist can create specialized treatment regimens for his or her patients. The doctor may schedule follow-up visits or recommend surgical treatment depending on the nature and severity of the patient’s problem.
A nephrologist must decide whether to start dialysis or arrange for a kidney transplant when a patient has a potentially fatal renal problem. Some nephrologists, particularly those who work in hospitals, attend surgical procedures to provide assistance and advice. Patients should see their nephrologists on a regular basis after treatment to ensure that their conditions have cleared up properly.
Medical school and residency training programs provide nephrologists with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs. A new professional typically enters a three-year internal medicine residency program at a hospital after earning a doctor of medicine degree to gain formal training and experience under the supervision of experienced physicians. A doctor can enter a two- to three-year fellowship dedicated specifically to the practice of nephrology after completing residency training. A successful doctor can sit for a board exam and become board certified, allowing them to practice independently.