Nephrology Notebook
Nephrology Notebook
PATIENT EDUCATION
Kidney health information you can use
Plain-language educational resources to help patients and families understand kidney health, prepare for appointments, and ask informed questions of their healthcare team.
Nephrology Notebook is intended for medical education and does not replace individualized clinical judgment, local policies, or consultation with an appropriate specialist. Verify medication dosing, treatment recommendations, and guidelines against current primary sources and institutional protocols before use. This site does not provide personal medical advice. Seek appropriate professional care for individual health concerns.
Explore patient resources
External resources are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health, and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). External links open in a new tab.
Questions to ask your care team
Bring the questions that matter most to you. These conversation starters can help you understand your kidney health and plan the next steps with your care team.
What do my blood and urine tests show, and how have they changed over time?
What may be causing my kidney problem?
What does my diagnosis or kidney disease stage mean in plain language?
Could any of my prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or supplements affect my kidneys?
Do I need to change what I eat or drink? Would meeting with a kidney dietitian help?
What symptoms or changes should I call about right away, and who should I contact?
What treatment choices should I understand now, and what might be needed later?
When should I return, and which tests should be done before my next visit?