Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto, MD

About Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto, MD

Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his clinic in Lake City, 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 am committed to serving all ages and am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (386) 610-0166 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto, MD is a nephrologist in Lake City, FL. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including residency training in Nephrology at Yale School Of Medicine - Yale Univeristy, followed by fellowship training in Brigham And Women's Hospital - Harvard, further specializing his expertise. This extensive training, combined with his Board Certification in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, reflects his deep commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient well-being. Dr. Lopez-Nieto is dedicated to fostering a supportive and reassuring environment, empowering patients with knowledge and actively involving them in their care through collaborative decision-making and comprehensive patient education. He offers consultations in Spanish.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is worsening because of high blood pressure, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
• Hyposmolality and Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) often cause low blood concentration (hyposmolality), a condition indicating your body has too much water relative to electrolytes.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can cause weak bones and muscle problems.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: ESRD is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, where your kidneys are no longer able to function enough to sustain life.
• Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is a condition where you have too much potassium in your blood.
• Acute Kidney Failure: Acute kidney failure is a serious condition where your kidneys are unable to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood effectively, often developing quickly.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Fluid buildup in your limbs can cause swelling.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Having diabetes puts you at risk for developing kidney disease, a condition called diabetic nephropathy.
• Congenital Renal Agenesis and Dysgenesis: Congenital renal agenesis and dysgenesis is a birth defect affecting kidney formation, leading to potential health issues.
• Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia means you have a lower than normal level of potassium in your blood.
• Hypertension: Hypertension means your blood pressure readings are consistently above normal levels, which can damage your organs over time.
• Renal Hyperparathyroidism: In renal hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease disrupts the normal balance of calcium and phosphorus, causing the parathyroid glands to overproduce a hormone that can affect bones and blood vessels.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto 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. Carlos Lopez-Nieto offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment that uses a machine to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can't.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: A thorough evaluation is done to see if you are a good candidate for a kidney transplant and to minimize risks.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: A living kidney donor evaluation checks your health to see if you're eligible to donate a kidney to someone in need.
• 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: This test uses radioactive material to check blood flow and function within your kidneys.
• Ultrasound: Doctors use ultrasound to get detailed images of your kidneys to look for abnormalities and help diagnose conditions like kidney stones or cysts.
• Nutritional Counseling: Learning about the right foods and portion sizes can help slow the progression of kidney disease.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto. 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. Carlos Lopez-Nieto:

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Lopez-Nieto 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, and provide care for patients on dialysis or who have undergone a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto?

Your first visit with Dr. Lopez-Nieto 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 to help ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto accept my insurance?

Insurance acceptance varies. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for nephrology services before your appointment.

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 to be examined under a microscope. It's the most definitive way to diagnose specific types of kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis, and to guide treatment.

What is Dr. Carlos Lopez-Nieto's role in kidney transplantation?

Dr. Lopez-Nieto is the primary medical manager for kidney transplant patients. He evaluates candidacy, manages health while on the waiting list, and provides crucial long-term care after transplantation to ensure the success of the new kidney.

How important is diet in managing kidney disease?

Diet is a cornerstone of kidney disease management. A specialized renal diet helps reduce the workload on your kidneys by carefully managing protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels. Dr. Lopez-Nieto's practice works closely with renal dietitians to create a personalized plan for your care.

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 helps the body make red blood cells. Our nephrologists manage this by prescribing iron supplements and medications that stimulate erythropoietin production.

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter blood, typically performed at a dialysis center. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood, and can often be done at home.