How to Find the Best Nephrologist for You

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If you’ve been diagnosed with IgAN or suspect that you may have the disease, finding a knowledgeable and experienced nephrologist or IgAN specialist is crucial to managing your symptoms and receiving appropriate treatment. But where do you start?

First, consider talking to your primary care provider about your concerns and asking for a referral to a nephrologist or IgAN specialist in your area. They may also provide you with a list of specialists who accept your insurance.

When looking for a specialist, it’s important to know what to look for. You’ll want to find someone who has experience treating patients with IgAN and who stays up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options.

In the following sections, we’ll detail what to look for in a specialist, how to find a nephrologist, and what you need to know about your treatment options. By doing so, you can be sure that you’re receiving the best possible care for your IgAN.

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Finding a Nephrologist

If you have been diagnosed with IgAN or suspect that you may have the disease and are looking to undergo IgA Nephropathy genetic testing, it's important to see a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases. Here are some steps you can take to find the specialist that’s right for you:

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1. Ask your primary care physician: Your primary care physician may be able to refer you to a nephrologist in your area. They may also provide you with a list of nephrologists who accept your insurance.
2. ‍Check with your insurance provider: One of the most important considerations when finding a nephrologist is cost. If you have health insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out which nephrologists are covered under your plan. This will help you avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
3. ‍Ask for recommendations: Ask family members, friends, or support groups for recommendations on nephrologists they have worked with or know.
4. ‍Use online directories: There are several online directories available that allow you to search for nephrologists in your area. You can use sites like Healthgrades and Zocdoc to find a nephrologist near you.
5. ‍Contact a local hospital: Many hospitals have nephrology departments with qualified nephrologists on staff. Contact the hospital's patient services department for a referral.

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Knowing What to Look For

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Finding the right specialist for your IgAN care can make all the difference in your overall health and quality of life. When seeking a specialist, it’s important to consider the following factors:

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Experience and Knowledge: Look for a specialist who has experience treating IgAN specifically or who is knowledgeable in the field. This may involve researching the specialist’s education, training, and certifications. Additionally, consider asking the specialist about their experience with similar cases and what approaches they recommend.

Communication and Support: Your specialist should make you feel heard, respected, and informed. This means being open to your questions and concerns and taking the time to explain your condition and treatment options clearly. A good specialist should also be accessible and responsive to your needs and questions, both in-person and through electronic means.

Collaboration and Coordination: A specialist should work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure seamless and integrated care. This may involve communicating with your primary care physician, other specialists, and your care team to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your care. Additionally, your specialist should be up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options and be willing to discuss them with you.

Access to Tools and Resources: Your specialist should have access to the latest tools and resources to help manage your IgAN effectively. This may include advanced diagnostic tools, treatment options, or access to clinical trials. Additionally, tools like PicnicHealth’s timeline can help streamline communication and sharing of your medical history with your entire care team.

By considering these factors when finding a specialist, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care for your IgAN.

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Understanding Treatment Options

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Becoming familiar with IgA Nephropathy treatment guidelines is important when deciding between specialists and treatment plans. For example, you will likely want to leverage several different approaches. Here are some options to consider when seeking treatment:

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• ‍Blood pressure control: High blood pressure can further damage the kidneys in people with IgAN. Medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to control blood pressure and slow down the progression of IgAN.
• ‍Immunosuppressive therapy: These drugs, such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine, may be used to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease. These medications may be recommended for people with moderate to severe IgAN who have a high risk of progressing to kidney failure.
• ‍Treatment of infections: People with IgAN are at increased risk of infections, which can worsen kidney function. Treating underlying infections such as strep throat or sinusitis can help prevent further damage to the kidneys.
• ‍Dietary changes: Dietary changes may be recommended to reduce the workload on the kidneys and prevent further damage. A low-salt, low-protein diet may be recommended in some cases.
• ‍Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests is important to detect any changes in kidney function and adjust treatment as necessary.
• ‍Kidney biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of IgAN and guide treatment decisions.
• ‍Dialysis or kidney transplant: In severe cases of IgAN where kidney function has declined significantly, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.

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In late 2021, the FDA approved Tarpeyo (budesonide) for IgA Nephropathy. It has shown promising results in clinical trials and may help to reduce protein levels in the urine, preventing inflammation that can cause declined kidney function or even failure. More recently, in February of 2023, the FDA approved Filspari, a once-daily oral medication designed to target two pathways capable of slowing the disease progression of IgAN. However, it’s important to speak with an IgAN specialist before starting Tarpeyo, Filspari, or related drugs or treatments. They can run tests and assessments to determine which course of action may be best for you.

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You might also consider partnering with Picnic Health to change the future of IgAN. By signing up and contributing to research, you can aid in the development of new treatment options and help researchers to better understand the disease. Best of all, you can participate from home and receive updates as they become available.