PMC nephrologist, Lakshmi Kannan, MD, and Medical Assistant, Erin Tackett, discuss nephrology care at PMC.

Kidney Care for Eastern Kentucky

Pikeville Medical Center has a team of dedicated nephrologists to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky and beyond. A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney diseases.

Nephrology Services

• Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
• Dialysis
• Treatment for Kidney Failure
• Kidney Stone Prevention
• Post-Kidney Transplant Care
• Management of Resistant Hypertension

Kidney Disease Facts

Kidney Disease includes conditions that impede your kidneys from filtering wastes from your blood. If untreated, wastes build up in the bloodstream, making you feel sick.

• 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. is at risk for kidney disease, with 15% of the adult population being affected by it.
• Approximately 90% of those with kidney disease are unaware they have it.
• The two main causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.

Signs of Kidney Disease

Most people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. There are many physical signs:

• Being tired, having low energy or difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry, itchy skin
• Need to frequently urinate
• Blood in urine
• Foamy urine
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Poor appetite
• Muscle cramping

If you are experiencing a multitude of these symptoms, or if you’re at risk for kidney disease due to age (over 60), family history, high blood pressure, or diabetes, Pikeville Medical Center recommends that you get tested. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral or call the Pikeville Medical Center Nephrology Clinic for a consultation.