Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need to make an appointment with Haddon Renal?

A: If you have been referred to Haddon Renal, your primary care physician conducted testing that showed signs of abnormal kidney function.

Before your appointment, we may recommend you come to Haddon Renal for preliminary lab tests. This will ensure we can review your test results with you at your first appointment. Any results from your appointments with us will be sent to your primary care physician.

Q: What do your physicians specialize in?

A: Our physicians are nephrologists, which means they specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing kidney disease, electrolyte abnormalities and acid-based disorders.

Q: What is the difference between a nephrologist and urologist?

A: A nephrologist only specializes in kidneys. A urologist, on the other hand, specializes in the surgical aspects of the entire urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and prostate.

Q: What causes kidney complications?

A: Diabetes and hypertension are the two biggest causes of kidney disease and failure, but many other disorders can cause kidney disease.

Q: How can I improve and protect my kidney functions?

A: The two most important things you can do are change your lifestyle and diet. To stay at a healthy weight, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and stop smoking. You can also control your blood pressure and blood sugar by limiting your intake of salt and fat.  If you are interested in learning what you can do to protect your kidney function, talk to one of our physicians.

Q: If I have kidney disease, will I have to go on dialysis?

A: No. Dialysis is typically used for people who have lost 85 to 90 percent of their kidney function.

Q: When will I know it is time to begin dialysis?

A: This is usually determined by symptoms and test results. If you are experiencing increased nausea, loss of appetite, swelling, and weight loss, your kidney functions may be decreasing. Your doctor will perform one or more tests to determine whether dialysis is necessary.