Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Chronic Kidney Disease
Protecting your kidney function and overall health — questions recommended by nephrology professionals.
Key Questions for Your Next Appointment
These expert-recommended questions will help you get the most from your doctor visit about chronic kidney disease. Use them as a starting point — your doctor will appreciate that you came prepared.
What stage is my kidney disease, and what does my GFR number mean?
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys filter — understanding your number helps you track progression.
What dietary changes should I make to protect my kidneys?
Kidney disease often requires adjusting protein, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake.
Which of my current medications could be affecting my kidneys?
Many common medications, including over-the-counter painkillers, can worsen kidney function.
At what point would I need to consider dialysis or a transplant?
Understanding the timeline helps you plan ahead and explore options like home dialysis or living donor transplants.
How often should my kidney function be tested?
Regular monitoring catches changes early, when interventions are most effective at slowing progression.
How to Make the Most of Your Appointment
Write your questions down before you go. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re in the exam room. Having a written list ensures you cover everything.
Record your visit. You forget 40–80% of what your doctor tells you. Recording your appointment lets you review instructions, medication names, and next steps at your own pace.
Share with family. A family member can read the transcript and help you follow through on your doctor’s recommendations.
Understand Your Diagnosis Codes
If you've been diagnosed with this condition, you may see these ICD-10 codes on your medical records or bills:
Understand Your Billing Codes
These procedure codes are commonly billed alongside this condition: