New Patients | Inland Empire Nephrology

Preparing for Your First Visit

Before for visit at Inland Empire Nephrology, prepare a written list of questions so that you can fully understand how your kidneys work and how the current condition is affecting your health. You may want to bring a notebook with you every time you visit so that you can keep track of all of the information you receive.

To help your nephrologist better understand your current physical state, be sure to bring with you all of the paperwork requested by your doctor’s office, which includes:

• Laboratory test results
• Radiology reports (CT scan, sonogram, etc.)
• Any special diet guidelines that you follow
• Any medications that you are currently taking
• A list of all of your current doctors with contact information
• Your and your family’s medical history

Plan to arrive  **AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR** to your scheduled appointment, and bring the following:

• If you are a new patient, the completed New Patient Packet that was mailed to you, or click New Patient Packet.
• Your current insurance cards, including any separate prescription plan card
• A photo ID.
• All of your current medications in their original containers.
• Copies of any recent blood work, diagnostic testing or other medical records pertinent to your condition.
• A referral from your primary care physician, if required by your insurance carrier.

During Your First Visit

On your first visit, your nephrologist will gather information from you. He or she will review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam. To determine how your kidneys are functioning, he or she will order blood and urine tests. A kidney ultrasound may be required, and additional studies may be necessary.

Why Have I Been Referred to a Nephrologist?
Your family doctor or other healthcare provider determined through an examination or lab tests that you may have a medical problem best addressed by a kidney specialist. Common reasons to be referred to a nephrologist are as follows:

• High blood pressure
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney stones
• Infection of the kidneys or bladder
• Kidney problems caused by diabetes
• Polycystic kidney disease

At Inland Empire Nephrology your care is our first priority. Please contact us at (909) 835-7946 if you have any questions prior to your appointment