Kidney health articles for patients and families

Plain-language explanations of common kidney lab results, CKD stages, urine protein, nephrology referrals, and visit preparation, written 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.
Short enough to read before a visit
Each article is a few minutes long and ends with questions you can bring with you.
Sourced and reviewed
Every article cites its sources, and reviewed articles name the clinician and date.

Start here

The question most people bring to a first visit, answered in plain language.

More in the library

Every article, with what it covers

Each one is short enough to read before an appointment and specific enough to bring with you.

    • Kidney doctor referrals
    • 5 min read

    When to See a Nephrologist: Kidney Doctor Referral Basics

    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.

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    • Kidney lab results
    • 5 min read

    What Does eGFR Mean? A Plain-Language Kidney Number Guide

    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.

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    • Urine testing
    • 5 min read

    Protein in Urine: What Albuminuria May Mean for Kidney Health

    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.

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    • Chronic kidney disease
    • 6 min read

    CKD Stages Explained: How eGFR and Urine Albumin Fit Together

    CKD stages describe estimated kidney filtering, but urine albumin and other health factors help clinicians understand risk and next steps.

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    • Appointment preparation
    • 5 min read

    How to Prepare for Your First Nephrology Visit

    Your first nephrology visit is easier when recent labs, urine tests, medicine lists, blood pressure readings, and questions are gathered before the appointment.

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Bring your questions to a kidney care visit

For 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.