1
Diabetes, prediabetes, or a history of high blood sugar
If this applies to you, it does not mean you have kidney disease. It means routine kidney screening may be worth discussing so small changes are not missed.
Private Education Tool
Kidney Health Check
Answer 5 simple questions to understand common kidney health risk factors. This takes about 60 seconds and is completely private — no information is collected or stored.
This tool is educational and does not diagnose kidney disease. If you are worried about symptoms, lab results, or blood pressure, talk with your primary care provider or nephrology care team.
Question 1 of 50%
What is your age range?
Why early screening matters
Chronic kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, significant kidney function may already be lost. Simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems early, when treatment may have more opportunity to slow progression and lower the risk of serious complications.
37M
Americans have CKD
9 in 10
Don't know they have it
Early
Detection changes outcomes
What this tool checks
Risk factors that deserve attention
Kidney disease risk is usually a pattern, not a single answer. Diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, medication exposure, and prior kidney problems can all raise the need for screening. The goal is to catch risk early enough to protect kidney function before symptoms appear.
2
High blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke history
If this applies to you, it does not mean you have kidney disease. It means routine kidney screening may be worth discussing so small changes are not missed.
3
A family history of kidney disease, dialysis, or transplant
If this applies to you, it does not mean you have kidney disease. It means routine kidney screening may be worth discussing so small changes are not missed.
4
Regular use of anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen
If this applies to you, it does not mean you have kidney disease. It means routine kidney screening may be worth discussing so small changes are not missed.
5
Past kidney stones, frequent urinary infections, or known protein in the urine
If this applies to you, it does not mean you have kidney disease. It means routine kidney screening may be worth discussing so small changes are not missed.
Screening basics
The lab results people usually hear about
Many people first learn about kidney health through routine blood work. The numbers can feel confusing, but the basic screening conversation often starts with three practical items.
eGFR blood test
Estimated glomerular filtration rate uses a blood creatinine result to estimate how well the kidneys filter waste.
Urine albumin-creatinine ratio
This urine test looks for albumin protein leakage, which can be an early sign of kidney stress even when eGFR looks normal.
Blood pressure review
Blood pressure patterns matter because kidney disease and hypertension often affect each other over time.
After the check
A simple list to bring to your next visit
Your answers are not a diagnosis, but they can help you organize a clearer conversation. If you live in West Tennessee and have concerns about kidney risk, these notes can help your primary care provider or nephrology team understand the full picture.
- Write down recent eGFR, creatinine, urine protein, and blood pressure numbers if you have them.
- Ask whether repeat blood or urine testing may be appropriate based on your risk factors.
- Bring a current medication list, including over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements.
- If you already have abnormal labs, ask your clinician whether nephrology referral timing should be discussed.
When to ask for help
Signs that screening should not wait
Early kidney disease often has no symptoms, but some situations deserve prompt conversation with a medical professional. These include swelling that is new or worsening, blood in the urine, very high blood pressure readings, a sudden change in urination, kidney stone pain, or unexpected changes in lab results.
For urgent or severe symptoms, use emergency care. For non-emergency questions about kidney risk, bring your recent labs, medication list, and blood pressure readings to your next appointment.
Local nephrology care
What a nephrology visit may cover
A nephrology team looks at kidney function trends over time, urine protein, blood pressure, diabetes control, medications, electrolytes, kidney imaging when needed, and the overall plan to slow progression. The best visit is not just about one lab number; it is about understanding the pattern and building the next right step.
The Kidney Experts serves patients across West Tennessee with clinics in Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, and Covington. If your clinician recommends nephrology care, our referral page explains how offices can send records without adding friction for patients.
Common questions
Kidney Health Check FAQ
Is the Kidney Health Check a diagnosis?
No. It is a private educational tool that helps you recognize common kidney disease risk factors. Only a clinician can diagnose kidney disease using your health history, exam, blood tests, and urine tests.
What should I ask my primary care provider if my risk seems elevated?
Ask whether you should have an eGFR blood test and a urine albumin-creatinine ratio. These tests help screen for kidney function and protein leakage. Your primary care provider can interpret results in the context of your overall health.
When should someone see a nephrologist?
A nephrology referral may be appropriate for declining eGFR, significant protein in the urine, difficult-to-control blood pressure, recurrent kidney stones, electrolyte problems, or questions about chronic kidney disease planning.
Does The Kidney Experts serve patients outside Jackson?
Yes. The Kidney Experts provides local nephrology care across West Tennessee, including Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, and Covington.
Have recent labs or a referral question?
If you are a patient, start with your primary care provider or call our main line for routing help. If you are a referring office, use the referral form so our team receives the information needed to review the request.