New patients & what to expect.

Being referred to a kidney specialist

It can feel unsettling when your doctor recommends a kidney specialist. That's normal — and you're in experienced hands. Georgia Nephrology has cared for metro Atlanta since 1976, and the team plans to be with you every step of the way. Here's exactly what to expect, so there are no surprises.

Before your visit: forms to complete

To save time at check-in, complete your forms ahead of time. Download the New Patient Packet from our Patient Forms page, fill it out, and bring it with you to your first visit. The packet covers your medical, surgical, family and social history, the medications you take and where you fill them, and the office and privacy forms you'd otherwise sign in the waiting room. It gives your physician a clear picture of your health before you even sit down.

What to bring

• A photo ID and your insurance card
• Any referral your insurance plan requires
• Your completed forms (or arrive early to complete them)
• A list of all medications and supplements you take — or the bottles themselves
• Any recent lab results, imaging, or records you have
• A list of your questions — and, if it helps, a family member or friend

When to arrive

We make every attempt to see you at your appointed time, and arriving early is what keeps the day running to schedule for everyone. Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment as a new patient, or 15 minutes before as an established patient.

If you're running late, let us know — we may need to reschedule. If your provider can still see you, you'll be worked in when the schedule allows, so that other patients' appointments stay on time.

Your first visit

At your first appointment, your physician will review your medical history — especially conditions that affect the kidneys, like diabetes and high blood pressure, and any medications that matter — go over past blood and urine results, and perform a physical exam. You'll have time to ask questions; whether you want every detail or the simplest version, the team can meet you where you are. To see how your kidneys are working, they'll order blood and urine tests.

Your follow-up visit

On a follow-up visit, your results are reviewed with you in detail. Your physician will explain what they mean in plain language and walk you through your treatment options and alternatives, so you can make informed decisions about your care. (For more on what a kidney doctor does, see general nephrology.)

Who you'll see at follow-ups

Your care comes from a team: board-certified nephrologists, advanced practice providers (APPs), and certified medical assistants. Our APPs are nurse practitioners and physician assistants, each holding an advanced degree in nursing or as a physician assistant. They perform physical examinations, diagnose, prescribe, develop treatment plans, and counsel patients — and they're trained to recognize when to bring in your supervising physician or another specialist.

For follow-up visits, you'll alternate between your physician and an APP. When you check out after seeing your physician, your next visit is booked with a member of the APP team. Hospital follow-ups and nephrology education visits may also be scheduled with an APP. Meet the whole team on our providers page.

Telehealth

For some visits, Georgia Nephrology offers telehealth appointments, so you can connect with your physician from home when it's appropriate. Ask whether a telehealth visit is an option for your situation.

The MyChart patient portal

Georgia Nephrology uses MyChart to keep you connected with your care team between visits. Through the portal you can:

• Ask your doctor's medical assistant for medical advice
• Ask a question about a test result
• Request a prescription refill
• Make or cancel an appointment
• Send us your completed forms

You'll be set up with portal access at your visit. Log in to MyChart.

Don't use MyChart for urgent or emergency concerns. If someone needs immediate medical attention, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For some urgent concerns a telehealth visit can be scheduled instead.

A few things worth knowing before you send a message:

• The portal can't be used to get a diagnosis for a new medical condition.
• Keep messages brief and to one medical issue, and unless it's unavoidable, send no more than one message a day.
• You can message any established physician or clinician you've had an office visit with in the last 12 months.
• Some questions can't be answered well in writing — the clinical team may ask you to book a telehealth or in-person visit.
• For letters of medical necessity or forms your doctor must complete, allow 2–3 weeks.
• Most messages are free, but an exchange may be billed to your insurance if the reply needs clinical expertise and more than 5 minutes of your physician's time. Check your plan for whether a copay or deductible applies.

The full Patient Portal Use Guidelines are on our Patient Forms page.