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THE BEAN:
Kidney Empowerment

The Importance of Labs and Imaging with Jacksonville Nephrology

4/28/2023

 
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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.
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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:
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is called the silent killer for a reason. By the time patients are experiencing symptoms, they are already in advanced stages of kidney disease.
  • Producing urine cannot be used as a sole indicator of kidney function. Patients on dialysis can still produce urine well into their treatments. It is important to test the urine and blood to get an accurate assessment of how the kidneys are functioning. 

*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.

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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.


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2023 Q1 Employee of the Quarter

4/24/2023

 
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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?
  • I started with Jacksonville Nephrology in 2019 after declaring my major and have held nearly every position here through these past four years. In April of 2021, I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration (BHA) from the University of North Florida. I am hoping to pursue a Master's degree in the future.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
  • Outside of work, I love to read, crochet, garden, and spend time with my loved ones, especially my niece and nephew. My friends and family truly are the light of my life.
What got you interested in healthcare?
  • Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to help people in some way. I knew I wasn’t one to be a doctor, so healthcare administration appealed to me the most. I would be able to make appointments smoother, procedures easier, and policies more patient-oriented.
What are your passions? What drives and motivates you?
  • I enjoy teaching others and helping them grow. Everyday presents a new opportunity to learn and be a better version of yourself. I want to be better than the person I was yesterday.
Do you have any special certifications or achievements? If so, what are they?
  • I am a Notary Public in the State of Florida.
Do you have any other fun facts about yourself you’d like your team and our patients to know?
  • I love to cook and share my meals and creations with others. My garlic bread has put marriages in jeopardy. I also love all things paranormal and macabre. 
What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
  • I truly love the opportunities given here. Opportunities to learn from failures, grow into new positions, foster growth in others, and explore all areas of interest within the practice. I also love the events, games, and challenges presented to us. There is always something fun going on in the office. 

​We are so thankful to have Kayla on our team, empowering our patients every day. Way to grow, Kayla! 

Kidney Korner: Electrolytes- Potassium

4/20/2023

 
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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? 
  • Fluid balance within the cells
  • Nerve function
  • Muscle contraction
  • Heart rate
  • Sodium balance

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

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The Healow App

4/13/2023

 
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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
  • Visit Summaries
  • Medication Lists
  • Lab Results
Messaging Your Care Team
  • Send and receive messages securely 
Health Trackers
  • Link health trackers to monitor vital information like heart rate, blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, and exercise statistics
Link other providers
  • View records from other providers that also utilize the Healow App with secure and unique practice codes

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. 

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FUNdraising: We Walk for Kidney Disease Awareness

4/6/2023

 
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    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:
  • Denim Days: Teammates can make $5 donations to wear jeans in the office
  • Spirit week: The Jacksonville Nephrology team dresses up in spirited, fun, themed costumes or outfits throughout the week before the walk.
  • $1 ribbons: Patients and teammates can purchase green Kidney Disease Awareness ribbons to wear.
  • Green Ribbon Frenzy: Any teammate can pay to have another teammate’s office or desk space covered with green ribbons, streamers, balloons, and more.
  • Raffle baskets: We create themed baskets of goodies that will be raffled off for patients and office staff.
  • Spare Change: We leave a jar at the front desk so patients and the team can empty their spare change as they come and go from the office. Every cent helps!
  • Pie Me!: Among the team, we sell tickets to pie other members of our team. The person with the most tickets in their bucket gets pied. The person who raises the most funds overall does the honors of pieing their teammate. 
  • Donation envelope wall: We put up a wall of envelopes with various dollar amounts for patients and staff to donate. Notes in honor of loved ones, names, or memories can be shared on the envelope as well.
  • Kidney education: During team meetings and patient appointments, our team works to increase awareness and understanding of the kidneys and their diseases 

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:
  1. 1 in 3 Americans are at-risk for kidney disease.
  2. 37 million people have chronic kidney disease.
  3. 660,000 people live with kidney failure.
  4. 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant.

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/

    About The Bean 

    The Bean is a blog on a mission to share valuable information in the world of Nephrology.  We believe in empowering through education and The Bean is a great place to find resources and information on topics related to high blood pressure, kidney disease, dialysis, and topics that enhance the kidney minded lifestyle.    Enjoy and be sure to subscribe!

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13241 Bartram Park Blvd., Suite 1001
Jacksonville, FL  32258
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Tel: (904) 260-9898
​Fax: (904) 260-9891
Interested in joining our team?  Jacksonville Nephrology is dedicated to compassionate patient care through teaching and giving our team the tools needed to go above and beyond.  Learn more about current openings.  Learn More​
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Empowering Through Education.

  • Home
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