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THE BEAN:
Kidney Empowerment

Eating with the Seasons

8/31/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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In the past, we have shared renal-friendly recipes on our Facebook bi-weekly in a segment called Tasty Tuesday. We are shifting this to our blog to focus on seasonal foods, gardening, and recipes on a monthly basis. We want to include what to start in your garden, foods that are in season (and may be on sale), and recipes to use these abundant whole foods. In this introduction post, we will share resources for recipes, local nurseries, and informational sites to visit to find more information on how to begin eating with the season.

Seasonal foods are generally more nutrient dense and tastier due to optimal growing conditions and being harvested at their true peak. Very few additives and chemicals are needed to change the environmental conditions to enhance or alter the growing process. Additionally, seasonal foods are also a great way to change up the fruits and vegetables we eat regularly as well cut back on food spending. These foods provide us opportunities to expand our palettes and explore new recipes that we may not have considered otherwise. 

Renal Recipe Sites:
These sites provide a wide variety of kidney-friendly recipes. Some of these sites have search features that allow you to narrow your search to the desired ingredients or dietary restrictions. You can also use the seasonal food guides as a reference point for looking for recipes.
National Kidney Foundation
Mayo Clinic
Northwest Kidney Center
American Association of Kidney Patients
Renal Support Network

Gardening:
UF/IFAS Gardening Guide
Farmer's Almanac

Seasonal Food Information:
Seasonal Food Guide
USDA Seasonal Produce Guide

Savings Guides:
Weekly Sales Flyers
Nerd Wallet: Grocery Savings Tips


Eating healthy and with the season does not have to be difficult. Join us in this series as we eat with the seasons!

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Kidney Korner: What is Dialysis?

8/24/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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This segment of the Kidney Korner is all about dialysis. Who needs it, what it is, the different modalities, our dialysis clinic, and more. We want to empower our patients by helping them understand that there is life on dialysis and we are here to help you live it to the fullest. This post will go over the most basic points of dialysis so we can expand upon them in the coming posts. 

What is dialysis and who needs it?
Dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In some cases, patients with more severe acute kidney injuries will require dialysis until their kidney function returns to their normal levels. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD; it is required for the rest of the patient’s life or until they receive a transplant. Essentially, the process of dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, filtering out the waste and toxins and transferring the clean blood back into the body. It works to do the job of a kidney by balancing the fluid and minerals in the body as well as work to maintain blood pressure. Read more about how kidneys work in previous Kidney Korner segments here and here. 

What are the different types of dialysis?
There are a variety of types, or modalities, of dialysis to consider. It is important to explore all options to suit your goals and lifestyle. There is life on dialysis and we want you to be able to keep living it as you wish. The 3 types of dialysis are:
  • Hemodialysis
  • Home Hemodialysis
  • Peritoneal dialysis 
Beyond dialysis, a transplant is another type of renal replacement therapy. Be on the look-out for another Kidney Korner segment on transplantation in the near future.

Where can I receive dialysis treatment?
Depending on the dialysis modality and situation, there are a few locations where patients can receive treatment:
  • In-Center, at their designated facility (like DialySuites)
  • At home
  • In the hospital

What do I need to change to be successful?
Success on dialysis depends on your attention to your health as well as open, honest communication with your care team. Your team wants the best for you and is there to support and guide you through these changes. These can look like:
  • Changes in work schedule
  • Changes in diet
  • Changes in exercise habits

We will touch more on the different modalities, treatment centers, and lifestyle changes needed to be successful on dialysis in the following Kidney Korner segments. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your care team. As always, stay safe and healthy!

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Technology at Jacksonville Nephrology

8/17/2023

 
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At Jacksonville Nephrology, we work to utilize technology as much as possible. We believe that it provides secure, efficient care with a large number of benefits to patients and providers alike. 

Ease of Access: The increase of technological developments and usage has also greatly increased the accessibility of pertinent information, leading to more efficient and effective care.  
  • Downloadable and fillable paperwork 
  • Information-dense website for all things kidneys
  • Patient Portal 
    • Lab results and reports
    • Medication lists
    • Communications with the office
    • Health Trackers
    • Visit Summaries
  • Email, text, and call reminders for appointments
  • Electronic access to multiple laboratories and hospitals
  • Healow Insights: using the Health Information Exchange to grant and gain access to patient records to/from authorized providers within the network
  • Electronic prescriptions: by requesting an electronic prescription through the pharmacy, we are more accurately and efficiently able to respond to prescription refills and authorizations. 

Security: Our top priority is keeping your information safe. To do this, we have a number of security measures in place to ensure that your data is secure and utilized appropriately. Here are a few ways that we keep your information secure:
  • Verifying providers and secure fax numbers before transmission
  • No credit card information kept on file
  • Only sharing information with verified patient contact information
    • Including HIPAA compliant contacts, required to be updated annually
  • Third-party software providers are up-to-date with security enhancements and abide by HIPAA rules and regulations

Technology can be one of our greatest tools in our toolbox. We can utilize it in a myriad of ways to benefit our patients and provide next-level care. As always, stay safe and healthy!

Appointments at Jacksonville Nephrology: What to Expect

8/10/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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We strive for excellence and efficiency at Jacksonville Nephrology. We work to serve all patients with a smile, going above and beyond in your care from the moment you walk in the door. New patients can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour in our office during their first appointment. This includes paperwork, meeting with the medical assistant and doctor, and scheduling a follow-up. Follow-up appointments can expect to take approximately 30 minutes from check-in to check-out. Some additional, annual paperwork may be due, so please arrive early when possible. 

Let’s walk through what an in-office appointment with Jacksonville Nephrology looks like. 

  1. Check in: After arriving at Suite 1001, you will be greeted by our fabulous front desk. Here, we will verify any pertinent information needed and provide you with annual or new patient paperwork as necessary. We will also ask for any copay or account balance due and copies of insurance information, so please have the applicable cards ready upon arrival.
  2. Vitals and Medications: Our marvelous Medical Assistant will take you back to an exam room. She will take and record your vitals, note medications and any changes, and verify your medical history if you are a new patient. 
  3. Meet with Dr. Munjal: Dr. Munjal will meet with you and discuss all things kidneys. This includes, but is not limited to: lab results, pertinent imaging studies, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and education on your specific condition(s).
    1. RPM training: If you are eligible for the RPM program, our Patient Educator will meet with you to discuss the program details and train you on your new devices.
  4. Check out: Our front desk team will have your lab orders and any other information from Dr. Munjal printed and ready at the time of check out. They will schedule your next appointment and go over the paperwork with you.

We also offer virtual visits. Here’s how the process works:
  1. Check in: Our front desk will call approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to assist with getting you logged in and collect any copay or account balance that applies. 
  2. Vitals and Medications: You will connect with our Medical Assistant who will go over medications and ask what your vitals have been recently.
  3. Meet with Dr. Munjal: Dr. Munjal will connect with you and discuss all things kidneys, just as he normally would. 
  4. Check out: Our front desk aims to call patients back to proceed with check out and scheduling follow up appointments within 30 minutes of ending your call with the doctor. Paperwork from your appointment will be posted to your patient portal. 

If you're a new patient with us, take a moment to go read "How to See Dr. Munjal: The Referral Process" to get a better idea of what is needed for a new patient appointment and how to establish at our practice. 

​*Please note that virtual visits require up-to-date paperwork to be completed and on file with us within the past year. These appointments are subject to insurance coverage and are set to be discontinued by December 2024 by Medicare. Many commercial insurance carriers have already incorporated virtual coverage into their plans. Please contact your insurance carrier should you have questions regarding your virtual visit coverage.*

We work to see patients in a timely manner, with all details accounted for to create the most efficient and effective appointments possible. If you are interested in scheduling, please contact our office at (904) 260-9898. We look forward to being a part of your care team! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

8/3/2023

 
By: Kayla Holmes
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We know that addressing changes in your health can be a scary, difficult time. You may find yourself asking a million and one questions, leading to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Our team at Jacksonville Nephrology is here to help. Find our most frequently asked questions and Dr. Munjal approved answers below!

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the gradual decline in kidney function over time. It is expected that everyone’s kidney function will naturally decline with age due to normal “wear and tear.” It is determining if it is a normal decline or excessive and determining the root cause. 

I have protein in my urine. What does it mean? Are my kidneys failing?
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. We check protein levels in the urine. Protein particles are large and should not be getting through the filter. High protein levels in the urine are indicative of kidney damage.

I had a high blood pressure reading. Do I have hypertension now?
When we look at your blood pressure, we are looking for a trend over time. One reading may be an outlier or an anomaly. We want to see what your home readings look like on a daily basis, rather than just once in the doctor’s office. Many patients experience “White Coat Syndrome” or higher blood pressure and/or pulse due to being at the doctor’s office or in a medical setting. However, if this high reading is accompanied by symptoms like headache, irregular/fast heart rate, or nosebleeds, please seek medical attention.

My kidney function came back abnormal in my recent lab results. Do I need to go on dialysis now?
You most likely do not need to go on dialysis. It’s important to review just how abnormal a lab result is. People can live with a full life with decreased kidney function for years. For example, someone who gives a kidney will have 50% of the normal kidney function, but still be able to live a full, prosperous life. Dr. Munjal will look at your lab results and your medical history to work to determine the root cause of what caused the change in kidney function. 

I only have high blood pressure. What do my kidneys have to do with that?
The kidneys play an integral role in the balance of sodium and fluids in the body. If the kidneys begin to not work properly and these levels become unbalanced, then we can see changes in the blood pressure. They also manage and balance the other electrolytes and some hormones that can contribute to blood pressure. 

Everyone is unique and requires individual attention to details. Dr. Munjal works to look at the facts and treats the root cause. Every situation and treatment course is all dependent on the unique patient. If you have questions or concerns about your kidney function, please do not hesitate to contact us and set up an appointment!

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    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
  • 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