Whole-Person Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
At our AdventHealth Primary Care+ clinics, our primary care providers are committed to delivering the best care possible for patients living with chronic diseases. With chronic disease management services, you’ll feel empowered to take charge of your health with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment and care plans designed specifically for you.
And thanks to our flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments and extended evening and weekend hours, it's easy to meet with a member of your care team.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Services
Our CKD management process is designed to give you the long-term care and support you need for chronic kidney disease. Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ primary care provider works with specialists to treat your chronic kidney disease symptoms and provide you with services to continue to live your best life.
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Diagnosis Confirmation and Exam
Our providers will administer a physical exam to confirm your diagnosis and the stage of your CKD. They’ll also ask questions regarding your family history of the disease and may refer you to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney health.
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Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Planning
Once your nephrologist knows your current disease stage, they will work with your primary care doctor to develop a personalized CKD treatment plan based on your lifestyle and health needs.
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Medication Management
Your providers will prescribe medication to treat your CKD as needed. They’ll monitor your progress to see if your prescription or dosage needs adjusting, and are available to answer any questions you may have regarding side effects.
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Dialysis Care
If you need dialysis, your care team will help with scheduling and educate you and your loved ones on what to expect. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two main types of dialysis that help filter out waste products from the blood.
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Nutrition Counseling
Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining overall health and the health of your kidneys. Your renal nutritionist or dietitian will provide diet and nutrition guidance to help alleviate symptoms of your chronic kidney disease.
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Mental Health Support
Receiving a chronic kidney disease diagnosis can be shocking and scary, and it can take a toll on your mental health. Your chronic disease management care team can discuss stress management, anxiety, depression and available mental health resources to support your overall wellness.
Benefits of Visiting Us for Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Whole-person care is number one at AdventHealth Primary Care+. We care for our patients in body, mind and spirit with a range of services and benefits that all add up to comprehensive care.
Need an appointment ASAP due to a symptom flare-up or medication issue? Many of our AdventHealth Primary Care+ locations offer same- and next-day appointments. Can't see your doctor until after work or on the weekends? Most have weekend and evening hours as well.
Most of our AdventHealth Primary Care+ locations offer onsite labs, allowing for fast results for important blood work. This means there's no need to visit additional locations, saving you from adding one more appointment to your busy schedule.
Your chronic disease management team is committed to providing you with the best care throughout your chronic kidney disease journey. This includes personalized treatment plans, medication management, nutrition guidance and mental health support.
When you choose a primary care provider within the AdventHealth care network, you’ll have immediate access to our chronic disease management services and referrals to kidney disease specialists.
With remote access to your chronic kidney disease care team, prioritizing your health has never been easier. We offer video visits so you can consult with your care team virtually. Whether you're facing a minor health concern or seeking follow-up care, our virtual visits provide secure and convenient health care.
Whether you have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or another major insurance provider, we want you to be able to seamlessly access the care you need. We make health care convenient and affordable for our communities.
Find CKD Treatment Near You
When you need expert care for your chronic kidney disease on your schedule and all close to home, look no further than AdventHealth Primary Care+. With more than 20 convenient locations, we make it easy to get whole-person care for you and your family with experienced providers and evening and weekend hours in your neighborhood.
FAQs About Chronic Kidney Disease
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
A:Answer:Also known as chronic renal disease, symptoms of this condition vary by stage, with common symptoms including:
- Bloody urine
- Breathing difficulties
- Cramping muscles
- Dry, itchy skin
- High blood pressure
- Increased urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and face
- Tiredness
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Q:Question: How does a primary care provider help manage chronic kidney disease?
A:Answer:Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ provider may identify the symptoms and refer you to a nephrologist — a kidney health specialist — or other chronic disease management professionals for more specialized care.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour primary care provider will communicate with your chronic disease care team to monitor your progress, prescribe CKD medications and provide additional referrals and support as needed.
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Q:Question: What role does a PCP play in monitoring kidney function?
A:Answer:In addition to diagnosing kidney issues, your PCP helps monitor your kidney function by ordering lab tests and staying updated on your progress with your nephrologist. Your PCP can also provide guidance and referrals for conditions that put you at risk for developing chronic kidney disease, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.
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Q:Question: What health screenings and tests are used to track the stages of CKD?
A:Answer:Your chronic disease management team uses a combination of blood and urine screening tests to track your kidney function and disease stages. These include blood tests like the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and others to check creatinine ratio and phosphorus (phosphate) levels.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerUrine tests include the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), basic urinalysis for checking glucose and red blood cells in the urine and 24-hour urine tests to check for potassium and calcium build-up and any sign of potential kidney damage.
They may also use imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds to view the structure and size of your kidneys, as well as a kidney biopsy.
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Q:Question: How can a PCP help manage other conditions that impact my kidney health?
A:Answer:Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP is your go-to for helping manage other conditions that may increase your risk factors for kidney disease, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Your PCP can provide treatment and medication options and suggest healthy lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and staying at a healthy weight, to help treat these conditions, which in turn will make your kidneys healthier.
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Q:Question: Can my PCP refer me to a nutritionist?
A:Answer:Absolutely! While your PCP can offer general nutrition support and guidance, they can also refer you to an in-network nutritionist or dietitian who specializes in renal nutrition. These experts can provide you with in-depth information on the best diets for kidney health.
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Q:Question: What medications are commonly prescribed for chronic kidney disease, and how does my PCP help manage them?
A:Answer:Depending on the stage of your kidney disease, common prescribed medications may include ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as over-the-counter vitamin D supplements.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour PCP can prescribe kidney-related medications, monitor their effectiveness over time and adjust dosages as needed. They can also answer questions about side effects and address any complications.
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Q:Question: How often should CKD patients follow up with their primary care provider?
A:Answer:We suggest that all chronic kidney disease patients follow up with their PCP at least once a year. Patients at a more advanced disease stage may require more frequent follow-up appointments.
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Q:Question: What specialists might be involved in chronic kidney disease management other than a nephrologist?
A:Answer:In addition to your PCP and nephrologist, your kidney care team may also include a urologist, nutritionist or dietitian, dialysis professionals and mental health providers.
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Q:Question: How does a PCP manage CKD-related complications like anemia, heart disease or bone disease?
A:Answer:Chronic kidney disease puts you at a higher risk for other health problems, including anemia, high blood pressure, bone disorders, nerve damage to the hands and feet and metabolic acidosis. Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP can diagnose, treat and monitor these complications to help you stay as healthy as possible during your chronic kidney disease treatment and management. They will also keep your specialists updated on any complications or new symptoms that may arise.
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Q:Question: How can my PCP help me understand my lab results related to kidney function?
A:Answer:Once you receive your blood and urine test results from our onsite labs, your primary care provider will review the results with you, explain what they mean — including any abnormalities they identify — and answer your questions. Based on your lab results, your PCP may suggest new or changes to existing treatment options, as well as referrals to specialists.