Kidney Education Library
Learn about common kidney lab results, CKD stages, urine protein, nephrology referrals, and visit preparation in plain language for West Tennessee communities including Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, and Covington.
Educational information only
These articles can help you prepare better questions, but they do not diagnose kidney disease and do not replace individualized medical advice from your clinician or nephrology team.
Kidney doctor referrals
A nephrologist is a kidney specialist. Your clinician may recommend one when kidney labs, urine protein, blood pressure, or kidney-related symptoms need closer review.
Kidney lab results
eGFR is an estimated kidney filtering number from a blood test. It can help show kidney function, but it should be interpreted with trends, urine tests, and your health history.
Urine testing
Protein or albumin in urine may be a sign that the kidney filters are under stress or damaged. It should be interpreted with eGFR, blood pressure, diabetes history, and repeat testing when appropriate.
Chronic kidney disease
CKD stages describe estimated kidney filtering, but urine albumin and other health factors help clinicians understand risk and next steps.
Appointment preparation
Your first nephrology visit is easier when recent labs, urine tests, medicine lists, blood pressure readings, and questions are gathered before the appointment.
Next Steps
If you have questions about a referral, records, insurance, or scheduling with The Kidney Experts, call (731) 300-6155. Referring offices may fax records to 731-300-6955.