Nephrologist’s Note features timely information provided by physicians in the greater tri-state area.
There is a growing trend for community-based nephrologists to take a more active role in post-transplant management of their patients’ care. Thanks to years of research and tremendous advances in the field of transplantation, physicians know more about the post-transplant condition, the process, prevention and treatment of organ rejection, and longterm maintenance of a transplanted organ. What was once highly specialized follow-up care best provided by a transplant team, has evolved into standard protocols that can be managed by the same nephrologist who cared for the patient before transplantation.
Nephrologists who keep abreast of the latest advances in the field and who work closely with the patient’s transplant team throughout the recovery and post-transplant period are well prepared to perform all of the medical exams and laboratory testing that are necessary for the lifetime of the transplanted organ. Many are experienced in making immunosuppressive medication adjustments and treating episodes of organ rejection. Post-transplant care that is managed by a community-based nephrologist offers several benefits to the transplant recipient. In addition to preventing the need for traveling a greater distance to the transplant center, the nephrologist has likely been caring for a patient with end stage renal disease for many years before the transplant, is familiar with the patient’s medical history, and has built trust and a rapport with the patient. The nephrologist also offers complete coordination of all the patient’s medical care, such as diabetes or heart disease, with the patient’s other local physicians. If hospitalization is necessary, patients can be admitted to their local hospital under the care of their nephrologist.
Over the last decade, the number of people receiving kidney transplantation has risen exponentially and many of them are returning to the care of their community-based nephrologist immediately after discharge from the hospital. The ideal time to arrange for post-transplant care is before the transplant takes place. Planning for continued care of the transplanted organ is an important element in the entire process of preparing for a kidney transplant. Discuss the options with your nephrologist and your transplant team.
[ top ] [ newsletter index ] |
By: John DePalma, M.D., Nephrologist
