Nephrologists are doctors who specialize in treatments related to conditions affecting the kidney. A nephrology doctor will scan/diagnose and prescribe medication or treatment for your kidney’s condition and related issues.
Issues related to the kidney are on the rise across the globe, with thousands of people undergoing treatments for injuries or chronic kidney diseases. Kidney disease is ranked 12th as the leading cause of death globally and 9th in the US.
Kidney malfunctioning is a common occurrence nowadays, and it is more likely than having a liver malfunction. Kidney diseases can develop from existing conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure. Kidney issues can also cause high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Chronic kidney diseases can also lead to health issues like osteoporosis, irregular heartbeat, weakened immune system, anemia, etc. This cause-and-effect relationship shows how crucial it is to have a healthy kidney and consult a professional nephrologist regularly.
What does a nephrology doctor do?
These professionals use renal medicine, and nephrology is a specialty connected to kidney care within the internal medicine field. Nephrologists are professionals in the medical field who diagnose, manage acute and chronic kidney problems, and treat related diseases.
These professionals also treat associated issues like fluid retention, electrolyte and mineral imbalance, blood pressure, etc. They also specialize in kidney dialysis treatment —both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis —and kidney transplant and its follow-up.
How do you choose a nephrologist?
You can always find nephrologists online or by casually searching your nearby area, but how to find a genuine and experienced professional who can guarantee proper treatment.
How can one choose the professional who will perform the best diagnosis and provide the best treatment for the issues related to your kidney? It can be tough to find an expert in this field, but if you follow the below-listed tips, you can undoubtedly find the best practicing nephrologist in your area.
1.Get referrals from friends and family
Start by making a list of potential professionals that your primary care doctor provides you. You can also get referrals from family, friends, and other healthcare providers as well. Take time to research deep into the list of top doctors, their credentials, and their experience. As you narrow down your list, call each professional and ask for further details about treatment and fees.
2.Research their credentials
It is necessary to check and confirm the credentials and license of the doctor. There is always a possibility of scams and fraud in every department and profession. Also, ensure that these professionals have no history of malpractice and disciplinary actions. You can find these details from nephrologists’ medical schools, certifications, and training hospitals.
3.Consider the experience
It is very important to consider the number of years the doctor has in this field, and the more years, the more experience and expertise they have. The number of patients and successful operations/treatments is also vital details you need to recover from the authorities/department/school.
4.Research hospital’s quality
The quality of the hospital is as important as the profession. It is necessary to check the equipment at their disposal and the infrastructure of the hospital. Minor things like electricity backup can be vital if you consider the worst-case scenario.
Always visit a high specialty hospital for your treatment and ensure they are equipped with the required medical equipment.
These are the essential tips to select a qualified nephrologist in your area.
