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THE BEAN:
Kidney Empowerment

Managing Medications: Medication Lists

8/25/2022

 
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It is important to always carry an updated medication list with you in the event of an emergency. This will assist medical professionals in reacting to a situation and expediting the care that is needed with greater accuracy. Additionally, it is important to carry one with you to doctor’s appointments to keep track of any medication or diagnosis changes. On the medication list, it may also be helpful to list the following additional information:
  • Doctors within your care team
  • Past and Upcoming Scheduled Procedures
  • Allergies
  • Insurance Information
  • Advance Directives and contact information for emergency contacts
  • Preferred hospitals and facilities
  • Active Problem list 
  • Current treatments (chemo, infusions, dialysis, radiation, injections, etc.)

Computer systems at other doctors’ offices may not always communicate or link with one another. When coming to your next appointment, please bring an updated list, pictures of your medication bottles, and/or the bottles of medications for our Medical Assistant to review and verify with you. You can find our blank medications list on our website under the Resources tab here.

As always, stay safe!

​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 provider for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Kidney Korner: How the Kidneys Filter Blood

8/18/2022

 
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Did you know your kidneys filter your blood approximately 35 times per day? Let's learn about the filtering process!

The Process:
  1. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery.
  2. Blood vessels carry the blood to the nephrons to begin the filtering process. 
  3. Amino acids, salt, urea, water, and small substances are removed from the blood.
  4. Based on what the body needs, some of these substances are reabsorbed back into the blood and the waste, now urine, is left in the nephron.
  5. A large vein removes the clean blood to be filtered back into the body.
  6. Urine from the nephrons are sent through the ureter to the urinary bladder to be stored then released through urination.

How Dr. Munjal helps:
There are various tests that Dr. Munjal can order to detect how well the kidneys are filtering and functioning. Lab tests like urinalysis, urine protein studies, and basic metabolic/comprehensive metabolic/renal function panels will show the following related to kidney function:
  • estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): How much the kidneys are filtering
  • Electrolytes: sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and phosphate 
  • Creatinine: waste product
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): waste product
  • Protein urine levels: can indicate damage to the kidneys
Dr. Munjal will review these results at an appointment with the patient, interpret them, and discuss a plan of action to help reduce potential harm or further deterioration. Dr. Munjal may also order imaging tests to determine if there are any blockages in the renal artery or veins or if there is anything that may physically be inhibiting the kidneys from functioning properly. 

Munjal’s Musings:
Think of your kidneys as a coffee filter. It has two jobs: let the coffee through and keep the grounds in. Similarly, kidneys want to get rid of waste, but keep the good things in. To see how well the filter is working we can measure the following:
  • We measure the blood level of creatinine, which is a waste product. Low levels means that the kidneys are functioning well. 
  • We check protein levels in the urine.  Protein particles are large and should not be spilling through the filter. High protein levels in the urine are indicative of kidney damage.  

Be Proactive:
  • Complete lab work for follow-up appointments in a timely manner
  • Consult with your physician on preventative care and maintenance
  • Follow a renal-friendly diet and maintain adequate hydration

If you have any questions about how your kidneys function, call our office to set up a consultation with Dr. Munjal to empower yourself through education. 

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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 provider for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

2 Hours to Happiness: Relaxing Places Within 2 hours of Jacksonville

8/12/2022

 
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The Sunshine State is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and outdoor activities. Take some time this summer and fall to enjoy some of the most relaxing places in Florida.

  • State Parks in Jacksonville:
    • Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
    • Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
    • Big Talbot State Park
    • Little Talbot State Park
    • Cary State Forest
    • Jennings State Forest
    • Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
  • Springs: 
    • Ginnie Springs
    • Wekiva Springs
    • Ichetucknee Springs
    • Rock Springs
    • Silver Springs
  • Museums and Gardens
    • Cummer Museum and Gardens
    • Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
  • Georgia Hot Spots
    • Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
    • Jekyll Island
    • Historic Savannah
  • Activities:
    • Massages
    • Picnics in the park
    • Painting with a Twist
    • Sunrise Yoga classes

As always, stay safe and hydrate responsibly! 

The Importance of Health Insurance

8/5/2022

 
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What is insurance?
Health insurance is a contract between a patient and the insurance company that agrees to pay a portion of health and medical expenses in exchange for a premium. This generally covers the cost of routine care, emergency services, specialty care, and the treatment of chronic illness. 

What kind of health insurances are there?
There are a wide variety of insurance policies available in today’s market. Two of the most common are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). 
  • PPO: allow patients to be seen by providers inside and outside of their network
  • HMO: tend to restrict patients to a limited network of providers
    • HMOs also often require additional steps prior to a patient having an appointment with a provider. These can include referral authorizations and/or prior authorizations for procedures and/or medications. Without proper documentation and information, care can be unnecessarily delayed by weeks. 

Why do we ask?
By asking about insurance, we are able to ensure that our patients are getting efficient and effective care. For example, the following may be affected by inaccurate insurance information:
  • Referral authorizations
  • Prior authorizations for procedures and medications
  • Virtual visits
  • Copay due at the time of service
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How can you be proactive in your care?
  • Call your providers as soon as you have a change in insurance. These updates include, but are not limited to:
    • The company/carrier
    • The policy type
    • Policy, member, or group numbers
    • Copays and coinsurances
    • Insured and/or responsible parties
  • Call your providers and/or insurance company to ensure network status before initiating a change
  • Request referrals from your established Primary Care Physician (PCP) and prior authorizations from the ordering physician before appointments or procedures

    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 305
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
  • Your Team
  • How We Help
    • Dialysis
    • Hyperkalemia
    • Hypertension
    • Hyponatremia
    • Kidney Disease
    • Nutrition
    • Proteinuria
    • Remote Patient Monitoring
    • Transplant Managment
    • Community Connections
  • Dialysis
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Book List
  • Online Access
    • Connect Health Tracker
    • Healow App
    • Patient Portal
  • Contact Us
  • The Bean