Nephrology in Palm Beach Gardens
A kidney doctor who is also your internist.
Dr. Shtern is board-certified in Nephrology as well as Internal Medicine. For members, that means kidney problems are looked after by the same doctor who manages everything else, with no handoff in between.
At a glance
Chronic kidney disease
Staging, slowing progression, and adjusting every medication for kidney function.
Abnormal lab results
A rising creatinine, a falling eGFR, or protein in the urine, explained and followed.
Electrolyte problems
Low sodium, high potassium, and other imbalances that often come from medications.
Kidney stones
Medical evaluation and prevention, so one stone does not turn into several.
Acute kidney injury
Follow-up after a hospital stay or a sudden drop in kidney function.
Dialysis experience
Dr. Shtern was medical director of a hemodialysis center in New York.
When to think about your kidneys
Kidney disease rarely causes symptoms until it is advanced. Most people find out from a routine blood test: a creatinine that is a little high, an eGFR that has dropped since last year, or protein in a urine sample. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes, and both are things an internist is already treating.
That is why it helps to have one doctor reading all of it. A blood pressure medicine, an anti-inflammatory for a sore knee, a contrast scan and a dehydrating summer can each nudge kidney function. Together they add up.
Chronic kidney disease treatment and follow-up
For members, kidney care is part of membership rather than a separate referral. Dr. Shtern reviews your labs over time, not just the latest result, checks every prescription against your kidney function, and explains what the numbers mean in plain language.
Labs are drawn in the office. If you need imaging, a procedure, or dialysis planning, she arranges it and stays involved. She is affiliated with Jupiter Medical Center and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.
Conditions Dr. Shtern manages
- Chronic kidney disease, all stages
- Acute kidney injury and recovery
- Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
- Kidney stones: medical evaluation and prevention
- Sodium, potassium, calcium and other electrolyte disorders
- Kidney effects of diabetes and high blood pressure
- Medication dosing for reduced kidney function
- Care for patients with end-stage kidney disease, drawing on her dialysis experience
FAQ
Kidney care questions
When should I see a nephrologist?
Common reasons are an eGFR below 60 that persists, a rapid drop in kidney function, protein or blood in the urine, recurring kidney stones, or blood pressure that will not come under control. If you are a member, you do not need a separate referral: Dr. Shtern is board-certified in Nephrology.
What does eGFR mean?
Estimated glomerular filtration rate. It is calculated from your creatinine level, age and sex, and estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Lower numbers mean less filtering, and a single low result is less important than the trend over time.
Can kidney disease be slowed?
Often, yes. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, choosing medications carefully, and avoiding things that strain the kidneys all help. Some newer medicines also slow progression for the right patients.
Do I need to be a member to see Dr. Shtern for kidney care?
Legacy Medical is a membership practice. Call the office to talk through your situation.
Related care
Hypertension
Blood pressure that will not come down, or comes down with side effects you do not like.
Read morePreventive care and physicals
Executive annual physicals, screenings, and no day at a hospital.
Read moreNext step
Questions about your kidney numbers?
Every membership starts with a complimentary meet and greet. Sit down with Dr. Shtern, see the office, and ask whatever you like.