nephrology patient portal massachusetts

Why I was referred to Portsmouth nephrology?

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How do I refer a new patient to nephrology?

The William B. Schwartz Division of Nephrology, located at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA, has a long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to patient care, education, research and public policy. Specializing in the study, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease and high blood pressure, the Nephrology Division can meet your ...

Why choose the nephrology division?

She is a fellow of the American Society of Nephrology and a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital in 1997, and her fellowship training in Nephrology from Boston University Medical Center in 1999. ... Patient portal: patients have access to medical records ...

Why choose Tufts for Nephrology?

At Nephrology Associates of the Merrimack Valley, we care for all types chronic kidney disease, both acute and chronic, pre-dialysis, hypertension, kidney stones, and post-transplant. We care for and support patients receiving chronic in-center and at-home dialysis in Lowell, Chelmsford and Methuen, MA. Our specialists and staff are knowledgable, compassionate, and ready to answer …

Overview

The William B. Schwartz Division of Nephrology, located at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA, has a long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to patient care, education, research and public policy.

Patient Care

Caring for patients with kidney disease and kidney-related diagnosis is the core of what we do. All patients can expect the highest in personal, compassionate, and comprehensive care. Our multidisciplinary team members are expert in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases and high blood pressure.

Education and Training

The Division of Nephrology offers an award-winning, dynamic and unparalled education and training experience. We offer an ACGME-accredited training program and a mentored research training program as well as MS or PhD degrees in clinical research.

Research

We are dedicated to improving the lives of patients through clinical research by conducting relevant, state of the art clinical research on kidney disease and its manifestations. Our aims are to eradicate individual kidney diseases where possible, identify effective treatments and reduce the burden of kidney disease on society.

Public Policy

Members of the Division interact with many partners in government, industry and not-for-profit non-governmental organizations. We collaborate extensively with external partners and the work we do influences public policy about kidney disease on a large scale.

Our History

The story of the Division of Nephrology's tradition of excellence in kidney disease clinical care, research and teaching.

What is renal care?

Renal care is a team effort in which the patient is as an active team player. Providing adequate patient education is the first step in enabling the patient's participation for successful long term management of this difficult disease.

Where are the kidneys located?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, located near the middle of your back just below the rib cage. There are about one million tiny structures called nephrons, present in each kidney, which filter blood. They remove waste products, salt and extra water from your body in the form of urine.

What is the best treatment approach?

Prevention of a disease is the best treatment approach. Patient education to bring the patient as an active team player in the patient care. Comprehensive view of a patient is necessary to formulate an individualize patient care. The above approach always improve Patient Outcome and Number of Pills for the patient.

Can blood work detect kidney disease?

Blood work sometimes cannot detect kidney disease at early stage. Did you know that one needs to lose almost 30% kidney function before kidney problem is detected in blood work - therefore, a normal blood work gives a false sense that kidney in working fine.

Quality care for patients, Committed service to the community

We care for all types of acute and chronic kidney disease, hypertension, kidney stone prevention, pre-dialysis, and post-transplant. We see patients receiving chronic in-center and home dialysis in Lowell, Chelmsford, and Methuen.

About NAMV

Our professional staff serve patients from across the Merrimack Valley and are on staff at the Lowell General Hospital Main and Saints campuses. Our physicians are certified and re-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology.

Our Professional Staff

Douglas E. Mesler, MD, MPH trained at Boston Medical Center and served as faculty at Boston University School of Medicine and Clinical Director for Nephrology at Boston Medical Center for 10 years before moving his practice to Lowell in 2005. Dr. Mesler is the Medical Director for the Fresenius Lowell dialysis facility.

Quick Kidney Facts

25% of all blood flow goes to the kidneys resulting in the formation of 180 liters of filtered fluid daily of which less than 1% is excreted as urine.

Why do you refer a patient to a nephrologist?

Most common reason for patient to be referred by primary care to a nephrologist (Physician who specialize in kidney disease) is because of abnormal kidney function result in laboratory report. It is possible and quite common that Patient may not have any specific symptoms.

When should you not need dialysis?

You should not need dialysis until your kidney function is less than 15%. At that point you will begin to feel unwell and treatments/interventions are no longer effective in managing symptoms and supplementing the functions of your kidneys. This can be a very slow transition for some patients.

What is a televisit?

A Televisit is a virtual one-on-one office visit through the Patient Portal. 'Virtual' (Tele) meaning that it takes place over an internet connection through a computer or cell phone. 'Visit' meaning that you will see a provider in real time to discuss your health.

How to control blood sugar if you are diabetic?

Stay well hydrated. Let your physician know if you become ill, especially with vomiting/diarrhea. Notify your physician if you are prescribed new medications to ensure they are ok and the dosing is appropriate for your level of kidney function.

Can renal failure cause shortness of breath?

It is not uncommon that patient may not feel any obvious symptoms. Severe symptoms of renal failure such as short of breath, itching, weight loss, poor appetite, leg swelling etc usually seen in very late stage of renal disease.