Patient Information
- Planning For Your Appointment
- Patient Forms
- Glossary of Terms
- Kidney Diet Education
- Patient Portal
- Pay My Bill
- Resource Links
New patients wanting to schedule an appointment, call the office location your doctor has referred you to. Our phones are answered Monday-Friday and office phone times vary by location.
Once your new patient appointment is scheduled, we will mail you a new patient packet within a month of your appointment. Please complete the new patient packet and bring it with you to your appointment. If you did not receive the new patient packet in the mail, please arrive 15-20 minutes early for your appointment or print and complete the new patient packet from our website.
We encourage all patients to bring a family member or friend to your appointments. You may also consider bringing a notebook to write down any important notes during your appointment.
What to Bring to Your New Patient Appointment• Photo Identification
• Insurance Cards
• Co-pay
• Medication List (listing prescribed medications and any over-the-counter supplements you are taking)
• New Patient Packet
• Depending on office location all new patients will need to leave a urine sample
What to Bring to Your Return Patient Appointment
• Photo Identification
• Insurance Cards
• Co-pay
• Medication List (listing prescribed medications and any over-the-counter supplements you are taking)
• Each patient should be prepared to fill out any required forms when they arrive for their scheduled appointment.
Insurance Referrals
Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine PC accepts Medicare and most insurance plans. However, we encourage each patient to check with their insurance to be sure their physician is in their insurance network. It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure we have all required insurance referrals for any appointments. Unless you have a medical emergency, your visit will be rescheduled if we don’t have a physician referral authorization for your visit and you are unable to obtain one in time. Some insurance plans will not pay for any tests or treatment performed during an unauthorized initial visit.
Appointment Cancellation Policy
Indiana Nephrology and Internal Medicine PC, requires 24 hour notice for any appointment cancellation. There will be a charge for any missed appointment if we have not received notification of a cancellation within this time frame.
You are financially responsible for the following:
• Services not covered by insurance
• Co-pays and balances remaining after your insurance company has paid. This includes deductibles and coinsurance, the percentage which is your obligation.
• Balances that remain unpaid 60 days after they have been filed with your insurance company, but we have received no payment or response.
• Payment in full is expected within 30 days of your first billing statement.
Self-pay and services not covered by insurance
If you don’t have insurance or we don’t have a contract with your insurance company, you will be expected to pay at the time of your appointment.
Thank you for choosing Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine! We are looking forward to meeting you. To expedite your first visit with us, please feel free to complete the new patient packet for your appointment found below. If you have any questions, please contact your providers office.
New Patient Packet (PDF)Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information (PDF)
Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine Notice of Privacy Practices (PDF)
Each year we are required to update your patient information, and depending on the office location you will be asked to fill out a review of systems form each visit. To expedite your follow up appointment please feel free to complete the forms found below.
Patient Registration (PDF)Review of Systems Worksheet (PDF)
Access: a way to enter the body. Accesses to the bloodstreams for hemodialysis are fistulas, grafts, and permacaths. Access to the peritoneal cavity for peritoneal dialysis is a catheter.
Acute: occurring suddenly or over a short period of time.
Acute renal failure: a sudden and severe decrease in kidney function that may be short term.
Anemia: low red blood cell count; symptoms may include shortness of breath, lack of energy or fatigue
Arteriovenous Graft (AVG): a piece of artificial tubing that is attached on one end of an artery and on the other end to a vein. The tube is placed entirely under the skin and the tube itself is used for dialysis.
Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF): a type of access that is created by a vascular surgeon by surgically joining an artery and a vein so that the vein enlarges due to the flow of arterial blood. An AVF takes at least 4-6 weeks to mature before being able to use it for dialysis.
Blood count: the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in a given sample of blood.
Blood pressure: the force of blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels. Goal blood pressure is below 140/90
Blood Urea Nitrogen: Urea Nitrogen comes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat and is excreted by the kidneys. A normal BUN level is between 7-20, as kidney function decreases the BUN level raises.
Calcium: a mineral that is important for strong bones, blood clotting, nerve and muscle functioning and the activation of certain enzymes. Kidney patients should not take calcium pills without talking to your doctor first.
Chronic: a term that is used to describe a disease of long duration or one that is progressing slowly.
Chronic disease: a disease or disorder that lasts many years (or forever) and may get worse over time.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): the loss of kidney function that is usually progressive in nature and cannot be reversed but it can be managed. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. It means your kidneys cannot work as well as healthy kidneys. There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease.
Complete blood count (CBC): a series of tests to examine components of blood. These tests are useful in diagnosing certain health problems and following the effects of treatments.
Creatinine: is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body and is removed by the kidneys. As kidney function decreases, the level of creatinine in the blood rises.
CT scan: diagnostic X-Ray procedure in which a computer is used to generate a three-dimensional image.
Diabetes: a disorder in which the body cannot make insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that controls how much sugar is in your blood.
Diagnosis: the process of identifying a disease by its characteristic signs, symptoms, and lab findings.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): a measure of kidney function. It tells you how well your kidneys work. It also helps determine the stage of chronic kidney disease.
Hematocrit: a measure of the red blood cells your body is making. A low hematocrit can mean you have anemia.
Hemodialysis (HD): a procedure that filters waste products and extra water from your blood. It is one of the main treatments for kidney failure.
Hemoglobin: the iron-protein component in the red blood cells that carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Your hemoglobin levels tell your doctors if you have anemia.
High blood pressure: the force of blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels is too high.
Hyponatremia: is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Symptoms are nonspecific but can include mental changes, headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Inherited: something you were born with and get from your mother or father, like red hair or blue eyes.
Kidneys: two bean-shaped located at the back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side. Kidneys clean the blood, help make red blood cells, and keep bones healthy.
Kidney biopsy: is performed by using a needle to take small tissue samples of the kidney which will be used for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.
Kidney failure: the loss of all kidney function and it cannot be reversed. It means your kidneys have stopped working.
Kidney Transplant: an operation to put a healthy kidney from a person is placed in someone else who has kidney failure. A kidney transplant can be from a living donor or a deceased (cadaver) donor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves linked to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body
Nephrotic syndrome: symptoms include high levels of protein in the urine, a lack of protein in the blood. A 24 hour urine may need to be collected to confirm diagnosis.
Organ: a part of your body that does an important job. For example, the heart, kidneys, and liver are organs.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): high levels of parathyroid hormone may results from a poor balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body. This can cause bone disease.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD): a form of dialysis in that a soft plastic tube (catheter) is inserted in the abdomen by surgery. A sterile cleansing fluid is put into your belly through the catheter, the peritoneal membrane acts as a natural filter. After the filtering process is finished the fluid leaves the body through the catheter.
Phosphorus: a mineral found in your bones, it works with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy and help nerves and muscles work. A high phosphorus level can lead to weak bones and hardening of the arteries.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): a hereditary disease that involves the growth of multiple cysts on kidney tissue.
Potassium: a mineral in your blood that helps your heart and muscles work properly. A potassium level that is too high or too low may weaken muscles or cause deadly changes in heart rhythm. As your kidney disease worsens your doctor may put you on a low potassium diet.
Proteinuria: the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine caused by filters damanaged b kidney disease. It can also be a result of overproduction of proteins in the body.
Red blood cells: cells in your blood that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
Risk factors: something that increases your risk. For example, diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease.
Sodium: a mineral found in the body that helps regulate the body’s fluid content, maintain normal blood pressure, and supports the work of your nerves and muscles.
Symptoms: a change in your body that alerts you that something is wrong. It may mean you have an illness or disease.
Treatment plan: a plan of medical care to help you get well, or to keep an illness or disease from getting worse.
Ultrasound: a diagnostic technique in which pictures are made by bouncing safe, painless sound waves off organs and other internal structures.
Ureters: two tubes that carry urine (pee) from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethra: a tube that carries urine (pee) from the bladder to outside of the body.
Urinalysis: a microscopic examination of a urine sample as well as a dipstick test. A urinalysis can help to detect a variety of kidney and urinary tract disorders.
Urinary system (also called “Urinary tract”): a system in your body that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It acts as a plumbing system to drain urine (pee) from the kidneys, store it, and then release it when you urinate.
Urine: a yellowish liquid made by the kidneys. Your kidneys make urine as a way to remove waste products and extra water that your body doesn’t need.
Venous Catheter: a plastic tube that is inserted into a large vein, usually in the neck. Because the catheter is exposed to the elements it has a higher rate of infection. Also called Permacath or dialysis port they are generally considered temporary accesses and are usually only placed when urgent dialysis is needed.
Vitamin D deficiency: can affect your bones and overall health. Your doctor may put you on a prescription vitamin d or an over-the-counter vitamin d to help raise your vitamin d level.
Diet and nutrition are an important part of living well with kidney disease. As your kidney disease progresses, your dietary needs will likely change as well. Your physician may ask you to limit the phosphorus, potassium and/or sodium in your diet. You should talk with your physician about your specific kidney diet needs.
We suggest to any patient who is put on a low potassium or low phosphorus diet to look at what you are currently eating that is high in those foods and cut it back. For example, if you are eating something every day that is high, then reduce it to 2-3 times a week. We will assess your blood work and let you know if you need to work harder on your diet.
PhosphorusA mineral found in your bones, it works with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy and help nerves and muscles work. Healthy kidneys help keep the right balance of phosphorus in the body. As kidney disease worsens the phosphorus in your body will build up and you will be placed on a low phosphorus diet. A high phosphorus level can lead to weak bones and hardening of the arteries. You should talk to your physician or the office to obtain a full list of high phosphorus foods.
High Phosphorus Foods
Beans, biscuits, bologna, bran cereals, brown Colas, brown rice, cake (mix, prepared), cheese, chocolate, chocolate flavored beverage, cottage cheese, cornbread, hot dog, ice cream, granola, grape cola, grape nuts, macaroni and cheese, milk, nuts, orange cola, pancakes (dry mix, prepared), peanut butter, pizza, pudding, strawberry cola, wheat bread, and yogurt.
Low Phosphorus Foods
Apple/apple juice, beef, berries, carrots, chicken, crackers, cucumber, eggs, fish, graham crackers, grapes, green beans, jelly beans, lemon-lime sodas, popcorn, rice/corn cereal, root beer, sherbet, shortbread cookies, tea (brewed or iced) white rice, and white bread
Potassium
A mineral in your blood that helps your heart and muscles work properly. A potassium level that is too high or too low may weaken muscles or cause deadly changes in heart rhythm. As your kidney disease worsens your kidneys are unable to excrete the potassium as well. Your physician may put you on a low potassium diet to help keep your potassium at a safe level. You may also be put on a low potassium diet if you are taking a medication to help preserve your kidney function. You should talk with your physician or the office to obtain a full list of high potassium foods.
High Potassium Foods
Almonds, apricot, asparagus, avocado, banana, beets, cantaloupe, cocoa, coffee, chocolate, dates, dried beans, dried fruit, figs, humus, kiwi, lentils, lima beans, melons, milk, mushrooms, nectarine, oranges, orange fluids, papaya, peaches (fresh), peanuts, pears (fresh), peas, pecans, pomegranate, potatoes (baked, boiled, mashed, French fries, potato chips, and sweet potatoes) prunes, prune juice, pumpkin, raisins, salt substitute, spinach, spaghetti sauce, tomatoes (including grape, green and tomato sauce), and winter squash.
Low Potassium Foods
Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cabbage, carrots, celery, cherries, cranberries, corn (canned or ear) crookneck squash, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, green beans, green peas, juice (apple, cranberries, grape, pear, peach nectar, pineapple, and lemon), lemons, lettuce (iceberg), onion, peaches (canned), pears (canned), peppers, pineapples, plums, radish, raspberries, squash, summer squash, watermelon (1 cup), wax beans, zucchini
Dialyzing Food
You can dialyze vegetables such at potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green to substantially lower their potassium content.
Potatoes: Peel and slice potatoes into small pieces and rinse them in warm water. Soak potatoes for a minimum of 2 hours in 10 times the amount of water as quantity of potatoes. Discard the water and rinse off the potatoes. Add fresh water and cook potatoes until tender. Drain and prepare as desired.
Greens: Place frozen greens in a strainer or sieve, allow to thaw, and discard juice drained from vegetables. Rinse greens with warm water and then proceed to soak greens for a minimum of 2 hours in 10 times the amount of water as greens. Drain water and rinse off the vegetables. Add fresh water and prepare as desired.
Sodium
A mineral found in the body that helps regulate the body’s fluid content, maintain normal blood pressure, and supports the work of your nerves and muscles. Healthy kidneys help keep the right amount of sodium in your body. When your kidneys are not healthy, excess sodium in your diet will cause high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and swelling. If you have any questions on a low sodium diet consult your physician or talk to your doctors medical assistant.
Tips for a low sodium diet
• Do not add salt to your food or while you are cooking. Try cooking with fresh herbs, lemon-juice or salt free spices (Example: Mrs. Dash)
• Avoid processed meats such as ham, bacon, sausage and lunch meats
• Limit high sodium condiments such as soy sauce, barbeque and ketchup.
• Choose fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned. If you do use canned vegetables, rinse them to remove excess salt before cooking them.
• Avoid salty snacks such as crackers or chips; choose instead fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid pickled foods such as pickles and olives.
• If you are unsure of the sodium content in the food, check the nutrition label goal sodium is 1500-2000mg a day.
Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine now offers a secure patient website where you can access your personal health records and send secure messages to your provider’s office.
To use this feature, contact your provider’s office to obtain your username and password. Once enrolled, you can visit: https://myhealth.acumenehr.com
If you are having problems accessing the portal or if you would like instructions on how to navigate the portal, below are guides to help you. If you are still having problems contact your provider's office.Patient Portal Quick Guide (PDF)
Patient Portal Detailed Guide (PDF)
- Your Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine statement
- Patient account number (if you are not the patient, please have the patient's account number, not your own)
- Patient information including credit card billing address and e-mail address.
- Credit Card (MasterCard, Discover, Visa or American Express)
Below is a list of useful links to read more information about specific conditions.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, you may speak with your physician on your next visit. Indiana Nephrology & Internal Medicine also offers a variety of pamphlets and information on certain conditions in the office.
We strive to educate and improve the health and well-being of our patients. Please let us know if these links were helpful in finding out more about a specific medical condition or procedure.
Helpful Links
American Association of Kidney Patients:
http://www.aakp.org
American Kidney Fund:
http://www.kidneyfund.org
American Society of Nephrology:
http://www.asn-online.org
American Society of Transplantation:
http://www.a-s-t.org
DaVita Diet Helper and Dialysis Meal Planne:
https://www.davita.com/diet-helper
Fresenius Kidney Care 365 – Dialysis Education Class:
https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/ckd-treatment/kidneycare-365-free-class
Kidney School:
http://www.Kidneyschool.org
Litholink:
http://www.litholink.com
National Hypertension Association:
http://www.nathypertension.org
National Kidney Foundation:
http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease
PKD Foundation: Polycystic Kidney Disease:
https://pkdcure.org/