THE MNA BLOG

  How Chronic Care Management Supports Kidney Patients Kidney disease is complex and often unpredictable. Small issues can escalate quickly if they go unnoticed. Chronic Care Management helps close that gap by offering consistent touchpoints and proactive outreach. Support through CCM may include: Medication reminders and side effect management Blood pressure monitoring and review Lab...Continue reading→

  Getting a Nephrology Referral in Milwaukee: What Patients Should Know If you live in Milwaukee or Southeastern Wisconsin and have been told you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or signs of kidney strain, it may be time to see a nephrologist. However, many patients are unsure how to start that process, especially when a...Continue reading→

  Comprehensive Guide to Nephrology Services What to Expect, When to See a Specialist, and How to Prepare Table of Contents Understanding Kidney Function and Nephrology What Conditions Do Nephrologists Treat? When to See a Kidney Specialist What Happens at a Nephrology Appointment? Patient Education: Managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Dialysis and Transplant Options Explained...Continue reading→

  Cold and Flu Medications That Can Harm Your Kidneys and Safer Alternatives Flu Season and Kidney Safety: What You Need to Know As cold and flu season ramps up, many patients reach for over-the-counter remedies without realizing that some common medications can harm kidney function. If you have chronic kidney disease or are at...Continue reading→

  Holiday Eating Guide: How to Avoid Kidney-Damaging Foods at Family Gatherings Celebrate the Holidays Without Compromising Kidney Health The holidays bring joy, family gatherings, and indulgent meals but they can also pose challenges for individuals managing kidney disease. Many traditional dishes are packed with ingredients that may negatively impact kidney function, including excess sodium,...Continue reading→

  Hidden Costs of Out-of-Network Labs & Tests: What Patients Need to Know When managing kidney health, many patients make sure their nephrologist is in-network but forget to check whether their lab tests, imaging scans, and specialty diagnostics are covered. These services are often billed separately, meaning that even if your doctor is in-network, you...Continue reading→

  Debunking Common Myths About Nephrology Procedures Navigating medical procedures related to kidney health can feel overwhelming, but understanding the facts can go a long way in easing concerns. At Midwest Nephrology Associates, we believe informed patients are confident patients. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about nephrology procedures, helping you feel...Continue reading→

  Navigating Nephrology Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment When seeking specialized care for kidney health, understanding your insurance plan is a critical first step. Navigating insurance processes can feel overwhelming, but with careful preparation, you can avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs. This guide will help you take proactive steps to...Continue reading→

  Diagnoses That Warrant Seeing a Kidney Specialist When it comes to kidney health, early detection and proactive management are essential. While many individuals may not immediately think of seeing a nephrologist — a doctor specializing in kidney care — certain diagnoses make consulting one imperative. Understanding the signs and conditions that necessitate this step...Continue reading→

  Life After a Kidney Transplant Undergoing a kidney transplant is a life-changing event that brings new possibilities and challenges. While a transplant offers the opportunity to live a fuller, healthier life, it also requires ongoing care and attention to ensure the long-term success of your new kidney. Understanding the key aspects of life after...Continue reading→

  What to Expect with the Kidney Dialysis Process Undergoing dialysis can seem daunting, but understanding the process can help ease any anxieties and prepare you for what lies ahead. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for those with kidney failure. It filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer...Continue reading→

  Living a Full Life with One Kidney: Debunking Myths and Embracing Health Living with one kidney is a reality for many individuals, whether due to donation, surgery, or congenital conditions. The good news is that most people can lead healthy, normal lives with just one kidney. The experts at Midwest Nephrology Associates are here...Continue reading→

  Proper Diet and Hydration to Avoid Kidney Stones Kidney stones are more than just painful inconveniences. They can significantly impact your overall well-being. The experts at Midwest Nephrology Associates are here to help you understand the causes of kidney stones and how your diet can help prevent them. Hydrate and Celebrate One of the...Continue reading→

  Common Kidney Health Myths The kidneys are vital organs that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. However, several misconceptions surrounding kidney health need to be addressed. In this blog post, we'll debunk common kidney health myths and provide accurate information to help you better understand your kidney health. At Midwest...Continue reading→

  Staying Fit with Kidney Disease Living with kidney disease doesn't mean giving up on staying active and fit. Regular exercise can significantly improve your well-being and energy levels, even with kidney disease. However, it's essential to approach exercise cautiously and seek guidance from your nephrologist before starting any fitness regimen. Your nephrologist can provide...Continue reading→

  The Differences Between a Urologist and Nephrologist Choosing between a nephrologist and a urologist can sometimes be confusing, given the interconnected nature of kidney, bladder, and urinary tract health. However, understanding their respective specialties can help you make an informed decision about which medical professional is right for you. While there is some overlap...Continue reading→

  Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease Your diet is crucial in supporting kidney health, and being mindful of certain foods can make a significant difference in managing your condition. Certain foods can strain your kidneys and cause further damage to your health. Regular monitoring by a nephrologist is essential in managing kidney disease. They...Continue reading→

  How Home Dialysis Works As the demands of modern life continue to grow, finding time for in-center dialysis appointments can be a significant challenge for many individuals with kidney issues. Home hemodialysis offers a compelling alternative, allowing patients the flexibility to integrate their treatment seamlessly into their daily routines. At Midwest Nephrology, we aim...Continue reading→

  What Medicine Improves Kidney Filtration? Understanding the factors that contribute to improved kidney filtration is crucial for overall renal health. To comprehend how medicines can positively impact kidney filtration, it is crucial to first grasp the functions of the kidneys. Kidneys are the body's natural filtration system, which removes waste and excess fluid from...Continue reading→

What is the First Stage of Kidney Disease? Kidneys diligently filter out waste and excess fluids from our blood, maintaining a delicate balance of electrolytes. But what happens when these essential organs start to fail? Let's delve into the first stages of kidney failure and understand how this condition unfolds. During the first stages of...Continue reading→

The Latest Kidney Disease News And Research Kidney Disease research is being done every day to assist the over 37 million adults in the United States that suffer from kidney disease. The latest in kidney disease research and news indicates advancements and changes in the treatment of kidney disease that can exponentially benefit those who...Continue reading→

Common Signs of Kidney Disease Over 37 million adults in the United States are living with kidney disease and many of them are without a diagnosis. This is partially due to people assigning common symptoms of kidney disease to other ailments or conditions. The only way to know whether you have kidney disease is to...Continue reading→

Role Of A Nurse Practitioner One of the most important resources you’ll have in the fight against Kidney Disease is a Nurse Practitioner. These registered nurses are experienced and ready to help you throughout your kidney treatment journey. From the moment you are diagnosed to planning out your treatment plan and future kidney maintenance needs,...Continue reading→

What You Should Know About Kidney Stones Information is one of the best tools you can utilize when fighting a kidney stone. The experts at Midwest Nephrology Associates are here to teach you about what causes kidney stones as well as how to deal with them. Whether you or a loved one is dealing with...Continue reading→

National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month Kidney Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. According to federal estimates, there were more than 76,000 new diagnoses and 13,780 deaths in 2021. That’s why March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. During this time we encourage everyone to learn more about Kidney Cancer and...Continue reading→

Roll of Dietician for Kidney Health A renal dietitian plays a vital role in maintaining kidney health. Your diet can positively and negatively impact your kidneys. They can help you with a diet plan that has foods you can enjoy. Just like other doctors, it is important to consult with them before adjusting your diet...Continue reading→

Foods That Help Boost Kidney Function Our kidneys are responsible for helping to clear waste products from the blood and remove them from the body in the form of urine; they also help balance electrolyte and fluid levels, and play a critical role in maintaining good health. When dealing with kidney disease, it is important...Continue reading→