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Starting in July 2019, she will be located at:

1129 Northern Boulevard, Suite 101
New York, United States 11030

Phone: (516)-365-5570

PRINE Health Team Enjoying Happy Hour After Successfully Launching The Group On May 1st

Read About Our Medical Group And How We’ll Be Working To Manage The Complex And Costly Care Of Patients With CKD!

Former NY Met, Ed Kranepool, discusses his upcoming kidney transplant and how he’s been able to stay away from dialysis with the help of Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, of PRINE health.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering extra water and waste out of the blood to make urine. They also make hormones that help regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and maintain strength in your bones! When your kidneys are damaged and cannot properly filter blood, this is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The damage causes waste to fill up the body, along with many other health problems. Over 30 million people have chronic kidney disease in the United States. Here at PRINE Health, our kidney specialists in Great Neck specialize in conditions such as CKD. 

Diet and Chronic Kidney Disease

Maintaining a healthy diet should always be a top priority. Your diet has a major impact on your body and how it functions. When it comes to CKD, you have to be cautious of what you can and cannot eat because some foods that are typically part of your daily diet may have a negative impact when it comes to CKD. Three major components can slow down the progression of your chronic kidney disease:

• Maintaining a healthy blood pressure- this can be done by decreasing your daily sodium intake
• Reducing the amount of protein you consume, depending on how much you usually consume
• Monitoring and taking care of your diabetes

It can be hard to analyze the nutritional value of different foods and the science behind it all to ensure you are on the right track to a proper CKD diet. Visiting a nutritionist can be beneficial in making sure you are getting all of the nutrients that will keep your kidneys healthy. 

What to eat

After visiting your kidney specialist in Great Neck, you may want to start figuring out which foods will keep your kidneys healthy! Some of those foods include:

• Cabbage
• Red bell peppers
• Garlic
• Arugula
• Berries
• Olive oil
• Egg whites

What not to eat

What you can and cannot eat depends on which stage of kidney disease you are on. In the earlier stages, you may have different dietary restrictions than someone who has end-stage renal disease. Earlier stages may require a lower protein intake, whereas those with end-stage renal disease need an increased protein intake. Foods that should be avoided when on a renal diet are:

• Avocados
• Canned food
• Alcohol
• Red Meat
• Bananas
• Dairy
• Egg yolks

Overall, it is important to reduce your potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake. If you are unsure of what foods will have a major impact on your stage of CKD, ask your kidney specialist in Great Neck. 

Why visit a nutritionist?

Nutritionists, along with your kidney specialist in Great Neck, can help keep your kidneys healthy and slow down the progression of your CKD. In general, there are many benefits to seeing a nutritionist, such as:

• Getting a personalized plan
• Preventing diseases
• Learning to live a healthier lifestyle
• Learning new recipes and skills
• Receiving constant motivation and support

When it comes to eating, it can be difficult to find the support you need other than from your kidney specialist in Great Neck. A nutritionist not only provides more support, but they also can improve your diet without you having to do all that research on what will work best for you and your kidneys. Even after all that research, it can be difficult to find new and exciting recipes to make eating seem less tedious. Sure, you found out that red bell peppers are good for your CKD, but how many recipes can you make with that? Your nutritionist will think for you, all you have to do is cook it!

Figuring out a diet for your chronic kidney disease can be overwhelming. While visiting your kidney specialist in Great Neck at PRINE Health, ask them about the benefits of visiting a nutritionist to increase the quality of your life and diet. 

PRINE Health is a newly developed kidney care group that is emphasizing revolutionizing the kidney care industry. We’re an independent nephrology-based SUPERGROUP infused with Primary Care, Care Management, and cutting-edge technology. Supported by a physician-owned managerial service organization (MSO), PRINE Health is providing value-oriented population health and traditional practice management services. Our team is focused on bringing together the elite members of the nephrology industry and kidney specialists in Long Island. For information on how you can contact PRINE Health, please visit our website here. Otherwise, please continue reading this article for more information on the group and our primary goals for the foreseeable future.

Our Vision

Revolutionizing the kidney care industry, PRINE is looking to create innovative treatment plans through a personalized, caregiving approach. By uniting the experts in the field, we’re looking to collectively bring together an association of patients and physicians who can help change the kidney care world for the better.

Our goals as an organization include the following:

• Improve the quality of kidney care and give patients innovative treatment methods.
• Give easy access to care by boosting the relationship between patient and physician. Thus, giving quality satisfaction for patient care.
• Eliminate waste, redundancies, and inefficiencies.
• Overall, makes kidney care a much more enjoyable experience; for the physician, care partners, and the patient!

In an ever-changing healthcare industry, the emphasis on kidney care has been somewhat lacking for several years. However, PRINE Health is looking to change this notion. Our kidney specialists in Long Island are able to work together as a collaboration; benefiting the local community and many more patients. The unfortunate truth is those complications such as chronic kidney disease have increased dramatically, as one in seven adults in the United States suffers from this condition. Our nephrology-based SUPERGROUP aims to dramatically lower this number, with the assistance of our partners and collaborators. Emphatic care management is essential for the success of our movement.

If you’re interested in joining our movement or have been searching for a kidney specialist in Long Island, contact PRINE Health today for further assistance.

Summary

Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, are formed inside of your kidneys and consist of salt and minerals. They can have several different causes, but normally begin to form when your urine becomes concentrated. When this occurs the minerals will begin to crystallize and start sticking together, forming the kidney stone. While passing a kidney stone can be severely painful, it shouldn’t cause too much damage as long as you seek early medical attention. You could also seek out some home remedies that may help treat your kidney stones or prevent it from recurring in the future.

It is important to keep in mind that if left untreated, you may need to seek the help of a kidney specialist in Freeport in regard to possible surgery!

Symptoms:

Kidney stones can go undetected until they begin to move around your ureter. The part of your body that connects your kidneys to the bladder. Once it begins moving around you may feel one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain that is located in your side and back
• Radiating pain from your abdomen to your groin
• Fluctuating pain throughout the day
• Experiencing pain when using the bathroom
• Discolored urine
  • Pink, red, brown
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Very frequent urination
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Urinating in small amounts
• Fever or Chills
  • Only if there is an infection

Home Remedies:

Fortunately, prior to seeing a kidney specialist in Freeport, there are a few home remedies that you can try to help reduce your risk of kidney stones:

• Always stay hydrated
• Increase your intake of Citric Acid
  • By doing this you can prevent stone formation and/or stone enlargement
• Try not to eat foods high in Oxalates
  • Oxalates can bind calcium and other minerals that form kidney stones
• Try not to take high dosages of vitamin C
  • This is specifically for Vitamin C supplements
• Make sure you’re getting enough Calcium
• Reduce your salt intake
• Add more Magnesium to your diet

When is it time to contact a kidney specialist in Freeport?

While it is never a bad thing to try out natural remedies, it is important to keep in mind that you might not always be able to treat kidney stones on your own. If you begin to experience severe pain in your lower abdomen or genitals, it is time to seek out the help of a doctor. In a not-too-serious case, a doctor may just inform you that you need fluid therapy and pain medications. On the other hand, if your kidney stones get stuck in your urinary tract or begin to cause damage, a doctor may need to schedule surgery as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Kidney Stones and would like to try out some natural treatments, make sure to consult with a doctor first! At PRINEhealth, we have a network of professional kidney specialists in Freeport, that can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to kidney stones. Contact us today!

Dr. Berger formerly practiced at ProHEALTH in Lake Success and will be joining us in September 2019:

1129 Northern Boulevard, Suite 101
New York, United States 11030

Phone: (516)-365-5570

A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the field of nephrology.

Nephrology

Nephrology is a specialty of internal medicine that focuses on the management and treatment of kidney disease or kidney disorders.

The kidneys have several vital functions, including:

• removing waste and excess fluid from the blood
• maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance
• releasing hormones with functions such as managing blood pressure

Nephrologist

Primary care physicians often work to help prevent the early stages of kidney disease. As the situation progresses, a primary care physician may refer you to a kidney specialist, or the nephrologist.

A Nephrologist has completed a 3-year residency in Internal Medicine and a specialty fellowship in nephrology that is typically at least 2 years. Some nephrologists have sub-specializations in areas of nephrology such as hypertension (high blood pressure), transplant, glomerular disorders (protein or blood in urine), or critical care medicine.

What Conditions Does A Nephrologist Treat?

• protein or blood in the urine
• chronic kidney disease
• kidney stones
• kidney infections
• kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis
• kidney cancer
• polycystic kidney disease
• renal artery stenosis
• nephrotic syndrome
• end-stage kidney disease
• kidney failure, both acute and chronic

A nephrologist may also be involved in the management of the following common conditions:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease
• peripheral vascular disease

Types Of Tests A Nephrologist My Order

Blood tests

• Serum creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product and is present at higher levels in the blood of people with kidney dysfunction. This is the single best routine blood test to screen for kidney problems.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This is also a waste product related to a protein that is found in the blood and a sign of kidney dysfunction.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – This test measures how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. GFR begins to decrease below normal levels in kidney disease.
• Estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – This is a test that uses other laboratory data to approximate the glomerular filtration rate. The eGFR relates to the severity of kidney dysfunction which is broken into Stages from Stage 1 to Stage 5.

Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4	Stage 5
eGFR in the normal range (greater than 90) with other signs of kidney damage, like protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys	eGFR in the normal range (60-89) with other signs of kidney damage, like protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys	eGFR 30-59, moderate kidney damage	eGFR 15-29, severe kidney damage	eGFR less than 15, the kidneys are close to failure or have already failed

Urine tests

• Urinalysis. A simple urine test can help to reveal the presence of abnormal amounts of blood, glucose, or protein, or whether there may be an infection.
• Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). This measures the amount of the protein, albumin in your urine. Albumin in the urine may be a sign of kidney dysfunction.
• 24-hour urine collection for Creatinine Clearance. This method uses a special container to collect all of the urine that you produce during a 24-hour period to calculate the amount of creatinine that is cleared. This may provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function compared with the eGFR.

Procedures

In addition to reviewing and interpreting laboratory tests, a nephrologist may also perform or work with other specialists on the following procedures:

• imaging tests of the kidneys, such as ultrasound (Renal Sonogram)
• dialysis, including placement of the dialysis catheter or creation of a Fistula or Graft for dialysis use
• kidney biopsies
• kidney transplants

What Is The Difference Between Nephrologists And Urologists?

The fields of nephrology and urology share some overlap because they can both involve the kidneys. Nephrologists are the medical specialists of the kidney whereas Urologists are surgical specialists of the kidneys.  A Urologist also focuses on diseases and conditions that can affect the male and female urinary tracts such as the ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urologist also works with the male reproductive organs, such as the penis, testes, and prostate.

When To See A Nephrologist

Kidney disease is very common. About 1 in 7 Americans have kidney disease and it is estimated that 33% of the population is at risk. The risk factors for chronic kidney disease are:

• diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• heart disease
• obesity
• a family history of kidney problems

Early stages of kidney disorders may not have any symptoms or may have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in urination. Regular testing can monitor your kidney function, particularly if you’re at risk for kidney disease. An abnormality in one of the tests above would often lead to a referral to a nephrologist. You may also seek the attention of a nephrologist if you have:

• protein in your urine
• recurring kidney stones
• high blood pressure that’s more challenging to control
• swelling in your legs
• a rare or inherited cause of kidney disease

Conclusion

A nephrologist is a type of doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys. Nephrologists work to treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease and help delay the progression of kidney disease to end-stage kidney disease (requiring dialysis or transplant).

PRINE Health is a medical group with several nephrologists along with primary care and other complementary providers. If you need a Nephrologist, we are here to help. Contact us today!

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is known as the gradual loss of kidney use. The kidneys filter waste and liquids from your blood, which is then discharged into your urine. When CKD becomes more advanced, a dangerous amount of fluids can build up in the body. About 200,000 people a year are diagnosed in the U.S. with this disease. It can be detected through two simple tests, administered by your primary care physician (PCP), which benefits you. What many don’t realize is that your PCP can be a great help in detecting CKD and what the next steps may be for you!  

Benefits Of Visiting A Primary Care Physician: 

Early detection of CKD by your primary care physician calls for immediate action. He will lower your cardiovascular risk and will make an effort to slow the progression of CKD. There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease. Any condition beyond Stage 3 should be monitored by a nephrologist as well. Some of the benefits of a primary care physician are listed below:

• Open communication – Patients should be encouraged to discuss any changes in medication, comfort, urine 
• Effective treatment – Although there is no treatment for CKD, your primary care physician can specify the direct cause of your individualized CKD condition and provide treatment. 

• Stabilization of metabolism – Unfortunately, CKD affects more than just the kidneys and renal function. Your primary care physician can address and regulate any abnormalities in your metabolism.
• Holistic approach – Your primary care physician will already be familiar with any other factors that could be affecting CKD. With a holistic approach, the medical group in Manhasset will form the best plan for you.

How Can A Primary Care Physician Help CKD?

During the early stages of CKD, it is crucial to work with your primary care physician to manage the disease. It has been found that co-management of this particular disease can help provide the highest-quality and safest treatment. With initial interference and a complete, integrative physician team approach, your primary care physician can help stay on top of the following:

•  The stabilization of renal functions (this includes blood pressure and diabetes control as well)
• Reducing risk factors like hypertension and hyperlipidemia 
• Preventing Vitamin D levels from dropping
• Lowering Lipids 
• Smoking Cessation

Your PCP can also guide you through the testing procedure once you have been diagnosed. These tests can help determine how well your kidneys are actually functioning as well as which treatment will be best for you. These tests may include: 

• Calculating your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) – This test is specifically used to show how much kidney function you have. 
• Perform an Ultrasound or CT Scan – Both tests are used to show the size of your kidneys, whether they are too small or too large, as well as a full picture of your kidneys and urinary tract. 
• Perform a Kidney Biopsy – This can show any type of kidney disease and any damage that has occurred.

Why You Should Visit Our Offices On Long Island: 

Although there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, visiting a primary care physician early enough will help treat and lessen your symptoms, as well as slow the progression of this disease. At PRINE Health, we understand that chronic kidney disease is largely overlooked. This is why we have created a medical group consisting of both nephrologists and primary care physicians, to help treat the millions of Americans affected. Contact us today to receive the treatment plan perfect for you!