Patient Education
At Rockford Nephrology it is our goal to empower you to learn all you can about your kidney disease. RNA with the help of DaVita would like you to take control of your health by learning how to delay the progression of kidney disease and treatment options that are available to you if your kidneys begin to fail.
If you have questions about your kidney education please call the RNA office at (815)-227-8300 and ask to speak to the Education Coordinator.
FAQ: Why are the educational classes offered at RNA?
ANSWER: The classes are being offered to provide patients all the information they need to know about staying healthy and delaying kidney disease progression. If your kidney disease is more advanced, the class will provide information focused on making treatment option choices (dialysis and transplant).
FAQ: What topics are covered in the classes?
ANSWER: Two types of education classes are offered at RNA. We currently offer class for those patients with Stage 3-4 kidney disease dedicated to informing patients about how to delay kidney disease progression thru diet, medication and physician management as well as the causes of kidney disease. We also offer classes for patient with Stage 4-5 kidney disease that will explain what happens as the kidneys begin to fail, dietary changes based on the stage of kidney disease and introduces treatment options for people with kidney failure.
FAQ: Who teaches the education classes at RNA?
ANSWER: The RNA educator who is a registered nurse, renal dietitian, social worker or advanced practice nurses. These professionals all have a background in the management of kidney disease and dialysis options.
FAQ: What should you expect when you come to class?
ANSWER: You will be greeted by the RNA educator. You and those you bring with will join the class (class size ranges from 5-20) for one to two hours of education in addition to questions and answers. You will receive presentation materials as well as other information to take home.
FAQ: Who should attend the class?
ANSWER: If you have been diagnosed with Stage 3, Stage 4 or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease ( having an eGRF less than 60) you can benefit from the education classes. During these stages it is important to learn all you can be making educated decision about your health.
FAQ: What days and times are the classes offered?
ANSWER: The dialysis options class (KEY) is offered the 2nd Monday of each month at 9:00am and 1:30pm. We are able to offer individual education session depending on the need of the patient and family. The Stage 3- 4 class is in the process of being developed and offered at RNA. Ask your nephrologist about attending.
FAQ: How much does the class cost or will my insurance cover the cost?
ANSWER: The education classes at RNA are free of charge. Insurance plans are not billed for these sessions.
FAQ: What if I have questions about the class before registering?
ANSWER: For more information on the education classes please call the Rockford Nephrology office at (815)227-8300 and ask to speak to Julie Ling RN, CNN, Education Coordinator for RNA.
Kidney Failure (by Dr. James Stim)
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys do not do their job of filtering the blood in a normal manner. This results in build up of waste chemicals in the body as indicated by an increase in BUN and Creatinine in the blood. These chemicals are measured as part of routine chemistry blood tests and are markers of the retention of the many metabolic waste chemicals that the kidneys usually filter out of the blood.
Every patient that visits Rockford Nephrology Associates will eventually have testing done to help with their treatment and follow-up care. Below we have listed some of the regular tests, and their descriptions, that may be ordered by one of our Nephrologists.
Proteinuria (by Dr. James Stim)
Proteinuria is a defined by the presence of protein in the urine. If proteinuria occurs the most common protein to leak from the blood into the urine is albumin due to its small size.
Anemia and your Kidneys (by Dr. Hugh McHugh)
Do you know what anemia is and how it affects your body?
Hypertension (by Dr. Charles Sweeney)
Learn what hypertension is, along with the risks and what you can do to control it.
Follow the protein finder to keep track of the amounts of protein in your daily diet.
Use the potassium finder to help keep track of the amounts of potassium in your daily diet.
It is very important that all patients keep a close tab on their diet. With dialysis patients, any little change in what you eat can make a big difference. Here are a few tips from one of our dieticians on how a dialysis patient can make a difference.
Helpful Web Sites
Loyola University Health System