Kidney issues can be complex to deal with. You often need a diverse health care team—including nurses, dietitians, technicians and other specialists—to manage your condition. Leading this team is a nephrologist—a doctor who specializes in kidneys.

What does a nephrologist do?

Nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, which afflicts nearly 26 million American adults.

To do so, they often wear many hats. For instance, they:

• Interpret lab and imaging test results.

• Oversee dialysis treatments.

• Perform biopsies on the kidneys.

• Manage blood pressure changes.

• Assist with kidney transplant surgery.

• Provide follow-up care after a transplant.

• Prevent, manage and treat kidney stones, masses and infections.

Watson Clinic’s Nephrology department offers comprehensive kidney care for four convenient locations – Watson Clinic Main, Watson Clinic Bartow Building B, Watson Clinic Highlands and Watson Clinic Plant City.

Board-certified Nephrology specialists Dr. Michael Achinger and Dr. Steven Achinger even offer expanded appointment availability on select Saturdays from their office at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 863-680-7190 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Nephrology.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Physicians; National Cancer Institute; National Kidney Foundation