Nephrology is a branch of medicine focusing on the health of the kidneys (renals), with a particular focus on the entire spectrum of disorders that affect the kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis, hypertension, and kidney stones. At Lompoc Valley Medical Center, our skilled nephrologists, specialized nurses, and imaging technologists work collaboratively to accurately diagnose and treat both acute and chronic kidney disease.
Many diseases affecting the kidneys are conditions that impact more than one part of the body. Our nephrologists will work with your primary care physician to create an accurate picture of your symptoms before prescribing diagnostics and a customized treatment plan.
The most common reasons patients are referred to our nephrologist are:
In addition to testing and treatment, our nephrologists can oversee patients undergoing renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis and kidney transplant.
Kidney disease often presents no symptoms until severe damage has been done. This makes routine testing crucial, especially for those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Additionally, those who have undergone chemotherapy or other cancer treatments are asked to monitor their kidney health more routinely to ensure no adverse effects, such as electrolyte and acid-based disorders, are present. Typically, your physician will test for kidney disease with a simple urine or blood test, which will be sent to our in-house laboratory. If abnormalities are detected, we will utilize our advanced imaging equipment, typically a CT scan or MRI, to more clearly understand the nature of the disease in order to offer a more targeted treatment.
For more information on our Nephrology Department, call our team at (805) 736-1253.
