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THE BEAN:
Kidney Empowerment

How to See Dr. Munjal: The Referral Process

7/27/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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Beginning the process of seeing a specialist and establishing care can be daunting. We are here to help and make the process as smooth as possible. 

I’m concerned about my kidney function. How soon can I be seen?
Our goal is to see New Patients within 1-2 weeks of receiving an appointment request. However, this is not always possible. We keep an up-to-date callback list in order to move appointments within our goal time frame. 

Do I need a referral?
Formal referrals are not required for some insurances and policies. We use the term to encompass the process of establishing communication with another provider or office and the documentation that is most helpful to facilitate a productive appointment. Formal referrals with referral authorizations are only required in certain circumstances based on the individual insurance policy. If you are unsure if a referral is required, please contact your insurance carrier for more information.

What documents are needed for my first appointment?
The information needed to facilitate the most productive appointment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Most recent labs (basic/comprehensive metabolic panel, renal function panel, urine studies, etc.)
  • Insurance information (including referral authorization if required)
  • Demographic information (name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address, etc.)
  • Most recent progress notes from primary care or referring specialty provider

How do I get the necessary documents to your office?
Obtaining lab results and other information pertinent to the appointment is preferred to make your appointment run smoothly and efficiently. There are a few ways to go about sending information over:
  • Call the facility or provider that suggested an appointment with an nephrologist and request that the most recent progress notes and lab results be faxed to us at (904) 260-9891. 
  • Sign an authorization to release medical records and we can fax the request for you
  • Bring a physical copy of records with you to your appointment and we can scan them into your chart

We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are prepared for your appointment and can be seen in a timely manner. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the referral process or how to see Dr. Munjal, please feel free to reach out to our office.

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Kidney Korner: Fluid Intake- Dehydration

7/20/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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We’ve touched on what fluids are, how much too much can be, so it’s only right that we touch on dehydration to round out this segment of the Kidney Korner. Dehydration is simply when the body doesn’t have enough fluids to complete normal functions or when fluid intake is less than fluids lost. With summer in full swing, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of dehydration and how to treat it. Let’s discuss what causes dehydration, what symptoms to watch out for, and what to do if you become dehydrated. 

What does dehydration have to do with my kidneys?
Your kidneys control the fluid balance in your body. When you become dehydrated, your kidneys will have to work harder to try to maintain a fluid balance as well as perform their other functions. Dehydration can lead to increased blood pressure, a potential Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), or the worsening of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

What causes dehydration?
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating (heat, exercise, illness, etc.)
  • Infections
  • Medications- some medications can increase the risk of dehydration by increasing urination or reducing appetite

How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
  • Excess or complete absence of sweating or tears when crying
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Lack of urination
  • Dark urine
  • Extreme thirst

What do I do if I’m dehydrated?
  • Increase fluid intake* (avoid consuming too much too quickly)
  • Rest in a cool, shaded area, preferably indoors
  • Eat a salty snack to help replenish salts and reduce upset stomach
  • If severely dehydrated, seek medical attention immediately

Munjal’s Musings:
Dehydration occurs when the amount of fluids taken in is less than the fluids lost. Let's say you drink a gallon of fluids a day. Keeping that in mind, look at the two following scenarios:
  1. You spend the day inside reading, watching a movie, and doing light chores. You are well hydrated and not losing as much as you’re taking in.
  2. You spend the day outside, in the sun, doing yard work and swimming in the pool. You become dehydrated due to sweating and losing more fluid than you’re taking in.

Dehydration can be very dangerous if left untreated.  This summer, remain mindful of the causes and symptoms of dehydration and learn to treat them immediately. Remember, hydration is a very delicate balancing act, so be sure to consult with a physician regarding your specific needs. What works for some, will not work for others. Tailor your needs accordingly and, as always, stay safe and healthy! 

*If you are on a fluid restricted diet, consult with your doctor and discuss these scenarios.

To read our previous Kidney Korner posts on fluids, see the links below!
Kidney Korner: Fluid Intake- Part 1
Kidney Korner: Fluid Intake- Part 2

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The Importance of Setting Goals and Creating Healthy Habits

7/13/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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Habits and goals work together to become a dynamic duo when working towards accomplishing a task. Set a goal, then create habits to help facilitate the desired outcome. Let’s discuss the benefits of setting goals and creating habits. 

  • Goals give us something to work towards. By setting goals, we are acknowledging that we are committing to working towards something meaningful to us. Whether that goal is walking for 30 minutes a day, taking more consistent blood pressure and weight readings, or making healthier food choices, we are committed to achieving success in that area of our lives. Goals can give us a sense of purpose. There are different ways to set goals as well. Here are a few:
    • Setting goals with others can help us create a network of support and accountability as well as foster a sense of belonging
    • Setting smaller goals before the end-goal can help us feel more accomplished and motivated. Larger goals can seem daunting and we may lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Milestones help to increase motivation and passion towards the end goal.
    • Create a vision board or place a visual of your goal(s) somewhere you look daily. By visualizing and being reminded of the goals daily, you are more likely to succeed in accomplishing them.
 
  • Habits assist in helping us achieve the goals we set. There are a lot of ways to begin building habits. These can include:
    • Habit stacking: This is when someone does two habits at the same time. This uses an old habit to build a new one. An example of this could be something as simple as “After I take my medications, I’ll take my blood pressure,” or “I’ll take my weight and then brush my teeth.”
    • Habit Trackers: Habit trackers are a visual way to see progress on building a new habit. Habit trackers come in a variety of different formats, so it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you. I have found that a color-coded coloring habit tracker is the most effective for me. 
    • 21/90: They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit and 90 days for it to become a part of a lifestyle. Give yourself some time and grace when trying to get something to stick. Mark these on your calendar or habit tracker to help visualize that timeline.

Goals and habits can be particularly helpful for those with chronic illnesses that may need more in-depth and consistent healthcare. By creating healthy habits, like taking weight and blood pressure readings regularly, patients are able to better assist their healthcare teams in identifying trends and intervening more effectively and efficiently. This can help to increase time between required or recommended appointments as well as reduce emergency interventions, like hospitalizations. 

We have created a habit tracker for tracking weight and blood pressure that can be found on our website here. There are also a number of books and resources that delve deeper into the importance of habits and goals.

If you are setting goals that may alter your lifestyle or health significantly, please consult with your physician(s) before continuing to ensure it is safe. As always, stay healthy!

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2023 Q2 Employee of the Quarter

7/6/2023

 
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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. Christopher, one of our fabulous Front Desk Coordinators,  is our second quarter Teammate of the Quarter for 2023. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn more about what makes him an outstanding employee.

What is your schooling, background, and experience?
I graduated from UNF this year with a bachelor degree in healthcare administration, and am BLS & CPR certified. I come from a long line of healthcare professionals in my family, and I can’t seem to break the curse! This is my first job in the healthcare field, and I want to demonstrate how much I care for my community through this wonderful opportunity.

​What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
 
I enjoy going to concerts, and indulging in my vast music collection. Going on walks and practicing my photography skills with my partner on some nearby nature trails has been a truly therapeutic pastime for me recently!

​What got you interested in healthcare?
My father was certainly the biggest influence on my interest in healthcare; his profound love of caring for his own patients provided me a unique perspective where I could both philosophize on the importance of human life with him, as well as study his textbooks on the awesome complexities of our anatomy in my free time as a kid. He seemed to have the answer to every question I had. I have him to thank for pushing me in this direction.

What are your passions? What drives and motivates you?
All I ever wanted was to love and care for as many people as possible. Through my tribulations, I’ve garnered a sincere appreciation for what we’re all capable of, and I want to do my part in contributing to our time together on Earth. My motivation stems from the kindness and generosity of my partner Darren, who never gives up on me – to him, I owe so much.

Do you have any special certifications or achievements? If so, what are they?
Before I started college, I would frequently train students of all ages the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which I studied for about half a decade. I became a NAGA champion twice, and have carried on these skills and taught others basic self-defense ever since. I can also finally tie a tie by myself after 23 years.

Do you have any other fun facts about yourself you’d like your team and our patients to know? 
I sometimes make music online with my friend in South America! He’s a one-man band that invites me to perform vocals over his instrumentals. If you want to talk about music, I’m all ears!

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
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I absolutely adore the level of respect we have for each other. We work incredibly well as a unit, and we all share the same passion for our patients and community. I was welcomed so quickly and seamlessly – it feels like this is somewhere I belong! Personally, my team is part of my family. I love knowing that I can rely on each of them for any and everything, and vice versa.

​Way to grow, Chris! Thank you for your hard work, passion, and hunger for knowledge.

    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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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
  • Your Team
  • How We Help
    • Kidney Diseases
    • Hypertension
    • Nutrition
    • Remote Patient Monitoring
    • Transplant Managment
    • Community Connections
  • Dialysis
  • Resources
    • Patient Info
    • Education Topics
  • Online Access
    • Connect Health Tracker
    • Healow App
    • Patient Portal
  • Contact Us
  • The Bean