Dr. Ashok Sastry, MD

About Dr. Ashok Sastry, MD

Dr. Ashok Sastry, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his clinic in Sarasota, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, dialysis, and kidney transplantation, ensuring patient-centered care throughout all stages of kidney health. I serve all ages and am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (941) 313-7964 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Ashok Sastry, MD is a nephrologist in Sarasota, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Glomerulonephritis & Nephropathy, and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University in 2001 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Sastry offers consultations in Spanish.

He is deeply committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making. He strives to create a supportive and reassuring environment for patients, empowering them to actively participate in their care. His approach is focused on understanding individual needs and concerns, fostering open communication, and providing clear and concise information to help patients make informed choices about their health.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Ashok Sastry addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Hepatorenal Syndrome: It's a complication of severe liver problems where your kidneys suddenly stop working properly, leading to fluid buildup and other issues.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders affect how your body handles minerals, potentially leading to imbalances.
• Hydronephrosis: Your kidneys can become swollen and damaged when urine can't drain properly, a condition called hydronephrosis.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Calcium metabolism disorders affect how your body uses calcium, potentially leading to problems with bones, muscles, and other organs.
• Congenital Renal Agenesis and Dysgenesis: Congenital renal agenesis and dysgenesis means one or both kidneys didn't develop properly before birth.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: Damage to the kidney's filtering units and surrounding tissue, known as tubulointerstitial nephritis, can affect your ability to filter waste from the blood.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a condition where the body's blood vessels become inflamed.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: When your kidneys fail to the point that you need dialysis or a transplant to survive, it's called end-stage renal disease.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a condition where your body loses too much fluid, potentially leading to health problems.
• Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V: Your kidneys are in the final stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage V), meaning they're failing and you'll need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
• Chronic Kidney Disease Stage III: Your kidneys aren't working as well as they should be; you've been diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Ashok Sastry addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Nephrology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Nephrology Services Provided

Dr. Ashok Sastry offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: These services manage the complex needs of people with severely damaged kidneys, often including dialysis treatments and related support.
• Hemodialysis: During hemodialysis, your blood is cleaned outside your body using a special filter, then returned to you.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: The kidney transplant evaluation process assesses your medical history, current health status, and suitability for transplantation.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: This process assesses your overall health and suitability to donate a kidney, ensuring your safety and well-being.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: In peritoneal dialysis, a cleansing fluid is infused into your abdominal cavity, filters waste, and is then drained, offering an alternative to hemodialysis.
• Renal Scan: Doctors use a renal scan to evaluate kidney structure and function, helping diagnose various kidney problems.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your kidneys and other organs.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Ashok Sastry. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Nephrology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Nephrology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Ashok Sastry:

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Sastry and our team are nephrologists, meaning we are medical doctors specializing in kidney diseases. We have expertise in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, as well as providing care for patients on dialysis or who have undergone a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ashok Sastry?

Your first visit with Dr. Sastry will involve a comprehensive review of your medical history, a detailed discussion of your kidney-related symptoms, and a physical exam. Please bring a complete list of all medications and any recent lab results or imaging reports. This will help Dr. Sastry provide the most accurate and thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Ashok Sastry accept my insurance?

Dr. Sastry's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call the office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for nephrology services.

What is the connection between my kidneys and high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, and damaged kidneys can also cause high blood pressure. A nephrologist specializes in managing complex or resistant hypertension, often by addressing kidney-related factors.

What are electrolyte disorders?

Electrolyte disorders involve imbalances of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the body. Kidneys are crucial for regulating these minerals, and nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating these imbalances, which can arise from kidney disease or other medical conditions.

How do you know when a patient needs to start dialysis?

The decision to start dialysis is a careful consideration of several factors, including the patient's overall symptoms, kidney function (GFR), and ability to manage daily life. It's a shared decision-making process between the doctor and patient.

Why do I have anemia with my kidney disease?

Kidney disease often leads to anemia because the damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, a hormone that signals the body to make red blood cells. Our nephrologists manage this with iron supplements and medications that stimulate EPO production.

Why would I need a kidney biopsy?

A kidney biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. It's the most definitive way to diagnose conditions like glomerulonephritis and helps guide the best treatment plan.