Interview with a Nephrologist: CKD, Dialysis & When to Refer

When should you refer a patient with CKD to nephrology—and what should you do before they get there?

In this episode, I’m joined by nephrologist and medical educator Dr. Rachel Hilburg to talk through the questions that come up all the time in primary care: interpreting proteinuria and hematuria, deciding when a nephrology referral is urgent, what labs and imaging to order before referral, and what we can actually do to slow CKD progression.

We also talk about the Kidney Failure Risk Equation, cystatin C, kidney-protective medications, preparing patients for dialysis and transplant, caring for patients already on dialysis, and a practical approach to hyponatremia.

Want to feel more confident managing CKD in primary care?

The Chronic Kidney Disease Management Course walks you through CKD diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, slowing disease progression, and when to refer to nephrology.

CKD Management Course: https://www.realworldnp.com/ckd 

Or get the CKD course as part of the Chronic Care Bundle, which also includes diabetes, hypertension, and kidney lab interpretation.

Chronic Care Bundle: https://www.realworldnp.com/chronic-care-series-bundle 

For a full transcript and conversation chapters, visit the blog www.realworldnp.com/blog/nephrologist

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