According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions of others have increased risk. Those considered to be at increased risk include people with hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment can help keep CKD from progressing.
At Joplin Nephrology Consultants, we are committed to providing quality care in a convenient and friendly environment. We encompass all aspects of kidney care, from patient education in early disease state to pre-preemptive transplantation and dialysis in those with advanced afflictions.
Our nephrologists lead a team of trained, technical and administrative personnel, but you are the most important member of your health care team. We encourage you to learn all you can about kidney disease and its complications. The information provided in this section is intended to be a good starting point, but we do encourage you to be proactive in your communications with your physician, and with our practice.
Once CKD is diagnosed it is important to determine the level of kidney function. The National Kidney Foundation has identified 5 stages of chronic kidney disease. Each stage represents a level of kidney function as defined by a creatinine clearance.
Stage 1 CrCl >90
Stage 2 CrCl 60-89
Stage 3 CrCl 30-59
Stage 4 CrCl 15-29…
Blood Tests – Zerum creatinine, Electrolytes, & BUN
Urine Tests – Microalbumin, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Imaging Tests – A renal ultrasound may be recommended to assess the size, shape and anatomy of your kidney. In addition, a CT scan, MRI or MRA may be recommended to determine possible reasons for your kidney disease.
Kidney Biopsy – A kidney biopsy is a test where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed by a needle. The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the cause of kidney disease.
Dialysis is a process that cleans and filters your blood. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis- Hemodialysis cleans your blood using a machine with a special filter called a dialyzer. During a hemodialysis treatment blood travels from your body through tubes to the dialyzer, which filters our wastes and extra water. The cleaned blood flows through another set of tubes back into your body.
Peritoneal Dialysis – Peritoneal dialysis removes wastes and extra water from your body using the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter your blood. A special solution travels through a soft tube into your abdomen. The solution draws wastes and extra water from tiny blood vessels in your peritoneum back into the solution, which is then drained from your abdomen through the soft tube.

Joplin Nephrology Consultants is an independent practice offering specialized and comprehensive care of patients with kidney related issues.
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Contact Info
522 W 32nd Street, Suite 1, Joplin, MO 64804
Opening Hours
Monday 7:45am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:45am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:45am – 4:30pm
Thursday 7:45am – 4:30pm
Friday Closed