Nephrology (Kidney Care)

Top-Notch Care

Rochelle Community Hospital has partnered with Rockford Nephrology Associates to deliver top-notch kidney disease and hypertension management to the Rochelle area. Bindu Pavithran, M.D. and Syed Ahmed, M.D., from Rockford Nephrology Associates provide comprehensive care for RCH patients dealing with kidney disease and hypertension issues.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment with a nephrologist, call 815-227-8300. Appointments are available every Monday at the Rochelle Multi-Specialty Clinic from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What are symptoms of Kidney Disease? vertical grey line horizontal grey line
  • Changes in urination (urine containing blood, difficulty urinating)
  •  Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or face
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Ammonia breath or metal taste in the mouth
  • Back or flank pain
  • Severe itching
  • Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness and trouble concentrating
What can I expect at my first Nephrology visit? vertical grey line horizontal grey line

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Multi-Specialty Clinic staff where they will collect your photo ID and insurance information. A nurse will collect your history and vital signs. You will then meet with a nephrologist to talk about your diagnosis, and treatment plan.

What should I bring to my first Nephrology visit? vertical grey line horizontal grey line

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

  • Initial Patient Information Survey
  • Patient Registration Form
  • Release of Information/Financial Policy
  • The form for the Patient Privacy Notice
  • All Insurance Cards
  • Photo ID
  • All of your medications, including all over the counter medications. It is very important that you bring actual bottles

Treat this as a normal day. Eat, drink and take all of your regularly scheduled medications. Be prepared to give the nurse a urine sample when you arrive.

Other Nephrology Conditions vertical grey line horizontal grey line
  • Acute Kidney Injury: Sudden loss of kidney function that generally develops within 7 days.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease: Progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months or years.
  • Hematuria: The presence of blood in the urine.
  • Proteinuria: The presence of an excess amount of protein in the urine.
  • Kidney Stones: Small, hard masses that form inside the kidneys.
  • Hypertension or High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure in the arteries.
  • Kidney Infection: Infection in the kidneys, generally due to an untreated urinary tract infection.
What Nephrology Treatments are available at RCH? vertical grey line horizontal grey line

Comprehensive tests are performed to ensure all patients receive proper treatment and follow-up care.

  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Done through a blood draw, will check for elevated levels of Urea Nitrogen in the blood.
  • Creatinine: Done through a blood draw, will check for elevated levels of Creatinine in the blood.
  • Urine Protein: A urine sample will check for proteins leaking into your urine.
  • Renal Artery Duplex: Arteries of the kidneys will be evaluated to measure blood flow and size.
  • Renal Ultrasound: Measures the size and estimates the weight of each kidney.