Skip to main content
    Thrive On

    Meet Your Kidney Care Team

    A care team is a dedicated group of healthcare providers, specialists, counselors, family, and close friends who surround you with comfort, support, and guidance throughout your kidney disease journey. Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a group effort with you—the most important member—at the center of your care team.

    Your care team members are ready to support you

    You can take the leading role in your physical and emotional health by communicating with your care team. You’ll have different people on your team that will be available to address your needs depending on your stage of CKD and the level of support you need.
    doctor_bluelagoon_icon

    Doctor

    A doctor, also known as a primary care physician (PCP), assesses your overall health, including any conditions you may have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and recommends a healthcare plan if necessary. They will monitor your overall health and as your kidney disease progresses, they may refer you to a nephrologist. If you have any health concerns outside of your CKD condition, this is the person to go to.

    neph_bluelagoon_icon

    Nephrologist (kidney doctor)

    A nephrologist is a kidney expert with advanced training in kidney care and is responsible for monitoring your kidney health. A kidney doctor will develop a Care Plan with you so you can stay your healthiest and feel your best throughout your kidney disease journey.

    socialworker_bluelagoon_icon

    Social worker

    A social worker or counselor is a trusted partner who will educate you about CKD, help set health goals, and offer tips and tools for adjusting to life after a kidney disease diagnosis. Involving a social worker promotes comfort and provides reassurance that you are not alone as you navigate your journey together.

    dietitian_bluelagoon_icon

    Dietitian

    A kidney diet specialist works with you to create a personalized meal plan that incorporates a healthy diet that aligns with your favorite foods and flavors. Your plan may be refined as necessary to meet your unique nutritional needs.

    pharmasist_bluelagoon_icon

    Pharmacist

    Working closely with a trained pharmacist who is knowledgeable about different medications is important. With CKD, your kidneys may process some medications differently and need to be adjusted or even avoided, depending on your lab values and level of kidney function. It’s important to talk to a pharmacist about all of the medications you’re taking. A pharmacist can help you understand your medications, learn how to take them as prescribed, and be aware of any possible side effects to look out for.

    insurance_bluelagoon_icon

    Insurance coordinator

    An insurance coordinator can help explain all of your health insurance coverage options, so you can choose the best coverage for you. If you ever have questions about your coverage or if your coverage needs to change, talk to an insurance coordinator before making any changes to your existing plan.

    support_bluelagoon_icon

    Support network

    A support network is the group of people who will comfort and help guide you throughout your CKD journey. Your personal support network may include family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers you feel close with—anyone who cares about you and wants to see you thrive. It’s important that you maintain close contact and reach out to them when you need their encouragement, love, and support.

    Join our online CKD community
    Find encouragement in our online forum. Come connect, ask questions, and share experiences about living with kidney disease.
    Sign up now

    communicate_bluelagoon_icon

    Communicate with your care team

    Good communication starts with you and is essential to your physical and emotional health and wellbeing. So talk to the experts! Questions? Rely on your dedicated care team when you need support.

    cap-green-large-nofill
    Take a free kidney care class
    Learn how to look after your kidney health and thrive—in a class that fits your life. Choose an educator-led or self-guided format.
    Sign up now
    apple_bluelagoon_icon_2
    Eat well with CKD

    With CKD, what you eat—and how much—can have a big impact on your health. Learn the basics of kidney-friendly eating.

    Learn more about a CKD diet
    Watch Shannon's advice on receiving a diagnosis.
    “Reach out and talk to your doctor, Your nurses. Figure out what’s going to work best for you.”

    —Shannon, RN

    Watch Shannon’s advice