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THE BEAN:
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 Labs and imaging are a vital part of care for our patients. Given that we can’t physically examine a patient’s kidneys, labs are how we judge how well a patient is doing and our next steps in the care plan. These tests influence the productivity of appointments and the timeliness of care delivered to the patient.
Comprehensive Care at Appointments When it comes to the kidneys, it is all about the trend. Dr. Munjal will need to analyze changes over time to determine the stability of the kidneys. The more labs we have to review and track, the better we can connect the dots. When current lab results are provided, we are more equipped to make accurate and precise changes and plan for the future. In the early stages of kidney disease, changes in kidney function aren’t noticeable and the patient may be completely asymptomatic. Additionally, when imaging is ordered, Dr. Munjal is usually looking for something specific or following up on a particular condition. These images are vital to tracking any physical changes and can lead to referrals to other providers or facilities. Timely Care When labs are done on a regular basis, we are able to make sure that our patients can be taken care of in a timely manner. This can include rescheduling patients based on significant changes, both positively or negatively. Labs can also influence the timeliness in beginning transplant evaluations and making arrangements for dialysis. Imaging specifically can be useful and important in the referral process. For example, if we find cysts or kidney stones, we will need to refer the patient to urology.* If these tests aren’t completed in a timely manner, care can be delayed and more damage can be done to the kidneys. Munjal’s Musings:
*Nephrology and urology work together to keep the kidneys functioning. Think of the kidneys like a computer. There is hardware and software. Nephrology is concerned with the “software” (electrolytes, filtration rate, hypertension, etc.). Urology is concerned with the “hardware” (cysts, stones, frequent UTI, etc.). Nephrology and urology tend to refer to one another for total kidney care. This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.  We believe in recognizing and acknowledging the growth and hard work our team has shown. To do this, we began a program within the office we call KUDOS+. Our team is able to give praise and acknowledge exemplary work by their teammates throughout the quarter. At the end, the teammate with the most KUDOS+ given by their team is appointed the teammate of the quarter. Kayla, our Patient Educator and Administrator-in-Training is our first quarter teammate of the Quarter for 2023. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn more about what makes her an outstanding employee.
What is your schooling, background, and experience?
We are so thankful to have Kayla on our team, empowering our patients every day. Way to grow, Kayla!  What is potassium?
According to MedlinePlus, “Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte. It helps your nerves to function and muscles to contract. It helps your heartbeat stay regular. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells.” What does potassium affect?
Hypo- vs. Hyperkalemia Hypo= low Hyper= high -kalemia= the medical suffix for potassium Therefore, hypokalemia means low potassium in the blood and hyperkalemia means high potassium in the blood. Examples of High Potassium Foods Leafy Greens (spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, bok choy, beet greens, etc.) Beans Potatoes Broccoli Avocado Bananas Orange Coconut water Tomatoes Yogurt Chicken Salmon How Dr. Munjal Helps: Potassium levels in the body are handled predominantly by the kidneys. With additional testing, we can determine the cause of the electrolyte abnormalities and work to correct it. Munjal’s Musings: Everything has potassium in it. You can have one serving of high potassium food for two servings of a lower potassium food. You don’t need to cut these foods out completely, but enjoy them in moderation. Resources Medline: Potassium Harvard: The Nutrition Source- Potassium  How many times have you found yourself at a doctor’s office and noticed that you forgot your medication list, lab results, or notes from another doctor? With the Healow app, those problems can virtually disappear! The Healow App gives you secure access to your medical records at your fingertips.
Benefits of the Healow App: Instant Access to Records
You can download the Healow App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Use Code ACHFAA to link your account to Jacksonville Nephrology. You will need an active patient portal account with Jacksonville Nephrology to access the portal. Should you experience any log-in issues, do not hesitate to contact our office.  Our team connects with our community and walks annually to raise awareness for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). In the month prior to the event, our office has some fun events to raise money and educate our patients. Here is how we celebrate to rais funds and awareness:
Kidney disease is known as the silent killer. It is so important for us to help raise awareness to empower others to keep up with their health. Here are some kidney disease facts from the National Kidney Foundation to kick-start our mission this year:
Join us this year on Sunday, May 7, 2023 for the Kidney Walk or walk with us virtually should you wish to avoid crowds. You can create a fundraising page or donate to our team page here. You can also donate online on the National Kidney Foundation website here. Resources: https://www.kidney.org/ |
