Why You May See a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
If your Balboa Nephrology doctor scheduled you a visit with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA), you’re still in the right place—and you’re still under your nephrologist’s care.
NPs and PAs are licensed medical professionals who work side-by-side with your nephrologist as part of your kidney care team. Seeing an NP or PA helps your physician provide timely, thorough care —without replacing your doctor.
Quick Overview:
- Your nephrologist leads your kidney care.
- Your NP or PA helps carry it out—more often, more closely, and with more time for questions.
- They work together. They share your chart. They coordinate your plan.
What an NP or PA Does in Kidney Care
- Review your kidney function (eGFR/creatinine) and explain changes
- Review potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus
- Check for anemia (low blood count), bone/mineral balance and proteinuria
- Help you understand what’s “stable,” what needs attention, and what’s next
- Review your medication list for safety with kidney disease
- Adjust medications based on your labs and blood pressure
- Help reduce side effects and prevent medication mix-ups
- Coordinate refills and help you understand when/how to take meds
- Review home blood pressure readings
- Adjust blood pressure, blood sugars/diabetic control or water pills (diuretics), if needed
- Help you recognize warning signs like swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or rapid weight gain
- Explain your diagnosis and stage of kidney disease
- Discuss diet basics (like salt, protein, potassium/phosphorus) in simple terms
- Help you plan for future steps—without rushing
5) Helps with referrals, coordination, and next steps. Your NP or PA can coordinate care with:
- Your primary care doctor and other specialists
- Dietitians, educators, and community resources
- Labs, imaging, and follow-up scheduling
- (When appropriate) dialysis education or transplant referral steps—guided by your nephrologist’s plan
How This Helps You as a Patient
Seeing an NP or PA can mean:
- Faster access to a visit when you need one
- More time to ask questions and review your plan
- Closer monitoring between physician visits
- Better support with medications and day-to-day kidney management
Common Questions
“Does this mean I’m not seeing my nephrologist?”
No. Your nephrologist remains your kidney specialist and oversees your care.
NP/PA visits are an **additional layer of support**.
“Will the NP or PA talk with my doctor?”
Yes. NPs and PAs work closely with our physicians and share the same medical record and care plan. They also complete extensive onboarding and kidney-focused training, so you can feel confident your care is coordinated and informed.
“What should I bring to my visit?”
If possible, bring:
- Your updated medication list (or the bottles)
- Home blood pressure readings (or your machine)
- A list of questions (even a short one!)
- Any recent hospital/ER paperwork
When to Call Us Before Your Appointment
- Please contact your doctor’s office sooner if you have:
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting (Call 911)
- Rapid swelling, sudden weight gain, worsening shortness of breath
- Very high or very low blood pressure with symptoms
- Confusion about medications or you ran out of a critical medication
We’re Glad You’re Here
Kidney care works best as a team. Whether you’re seeing your nephrologist, an NP, or a PA, our goal is the same:
Clear answers. Close follow-up. Support you can count on.
If you ever have questions about who you’re scheduled with—or why—please call our office. We’re happy to help.
