Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Kidneys

Bring your recent test results too. Many people in Mombasa get results from a lab or a hospital outpatient clinic and then take them to a doctor, so having earlier results with you helps the doctor see changes over time. Write the answers down, or ask if a relative can come with you to take notes.

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After a high creatinine or abnormal kidney result

1. What does this result mean for me, given my age, sex and body size?
2. What is my eGFR, and how was it calculated?
3. Do I need a urine ACR test as well?
4. Should the test be repeated, and when?
5. Could anything else have affected this result, such as dehydration, recent exercise, a meal or a medicine?
6. Do I need any other tests, such as a kidney ultrasound?
7. What would make you want me to come back sooner?

If you have been told you have chronic kidney disease (CKD)

1. What is my CKD stage, including both my G category (eGFR) and my A category (urine ACR)?
2. How has my kidney function changed compared with earlier tests?
3. What is most likely causing my kidney disease?
4. How often should my blood and urine be checked?
5. What blood pressure should I aim for?
6. Should any of my current medicines be reviewed because of my kidney function?
7. Are there any painkillers or other medicines I should avoid?
8. Do I need to change what I eat or drink? Should I see a dietitian?
9. Should I see a nephrologist, and if so, when?

If you have diabetes

1. Have my kidneys been checked with both a blood test (eGFR) and a urine ACR test?
2. How often should these checks be done?
3. How are my blood sugar levels affecting my kidneys?
4. Is my blood pressure at the right level for someone with diabetes?
5. Do any of my diabetes medicines need to be adjusted for my kidney function?

If you have high blood pressure (presha)

1. Have my kidneys been checked, and what did the results show?
2. What blood pressure reading should I aim for?
3. Should I check my blood pressure at home? How should I record it?
4. How often should my kidney tests be repeated?

Before or at a nephrologist appointment

1. Why have I been referred, and what are you most concerned about?
2. Which of my test results should I bring? Do you need earlier results to compare?
3. What tests will you do today, and when will I get the results?
4. What is the plan for the next 3 to 6 months?
5. Who do I contact if I have questions between appointments?
6. Will I need to keep seeing you, or can my regular doctor continue my care?

About a test you are having

1. Why is this test being done?
2. Do I need to prepare, for example by fasting, drinking water or collecting an early morning urine sample?
3. When and how will I get the result?
4. Who will explain the result to me?

Practical and cost questions

1. How much will the consultation and tests cost?
2. Is this covered by my insurance or my Social Health Authority (SHA) cover?
3. Can the tests be done here, or do I need to go to another lab?
4. Can I get copies of my results to keep?

Sources

1. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. kdigo.org
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Kidney disease. niddk.nih.gov
3. National Kidney Foundation. kidney.org
4. NICE guideline NG203: Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management. nice.org.uk

This page explains kidney tests and terms in general. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your history. Your results should be interpreted together with your symptoms, other tests and a clinical assessment. Medical disclaimer.