Dr. Charles Prentice, MD

About Dr. Charles Prentice, MD

Dr. Charles Prentice, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing at Charles A Prentice MD PA in Inverness, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Nephrology care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Prentice's practice focuses on the 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (561) 765-6971 to schedule.

Dr. Charles Prentice, MD is a nephrologist in Inverness, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Prentice earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara and completed an internship at Catholic Medical Center Of Queens & Brooklyn, followed by residency and fellowship training in Nephrology at Catholic Medical Center Of Queens & Brooklyn, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, respectively. His training provided a strong foundation in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, specializing in the specific needs of patients with kidney conditions. Dr. Prentice's approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for his patients. He offers consultations in Spanish.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Charles Prentice addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Calcium metabolism disorders affect how your body handles calcium, potentially leading to problems with bones, muscles, and other organs.
• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones occur when substances in your urine crystallize and clump together into solid masses.
• 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.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Renal Hyperparathyroidism: Damaged kidneys can lead to high levels of phosphorus in the blood, triggering the parathyroid glands to produce excess parathyroid hormone in an attempt to maintain balance.
• Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can't filter waste from your blood as well as they should.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, excluding cases related to pregnancy.
• Renal Artery Arteriosclerotic Disease: Renal artery arteriosclerotic disease is a condition where cholesterol and other substances clog your kidney's arteries, decreasing blood flow.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, potentially leading to high calcium levels in your blood.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Problems with how your body processes magnesium can affect your health in various ways.
• Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia means you have a lower than normal level of potassium in your blood.
• Kidney Infection: A kidney infection can cause pain, fever, and frequent urination.

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

• Hemodialysis: If your kidneys fail, hemodialysis is a way to remove waste products and excess fluid that would otherwise build up in your body.
• 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: This treatment, peritoneal dialysis, cleanses your blood by using the lining of your belly to filter out waste products and extra fluid.
• Renal Scan: This imaging test helps determine if your kidneys are filtering waste effectively and identifies potential blockages.
• Ultrasound: Doctors use ultrasound to get detailed images of your kidneys to look for abnormalities and help diagnose conditions like kidney stones or cysts.
• Kidney Stone Removal: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove larger or more complex kidney stones.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Charles Prentice. 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. Charles Prentice:

What is a Nephrologist?

A nephrologist is a doctor specializing in kidney diseases. They are experts in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, and provide care for patients on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Charles Prentice?

Your first visit with Dr. Prentice 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 ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Charles Prentice accept my insurance?

Insurance acceptance can vary. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to verify coverage for nephrology services before your appointment.

Is it serious to have protein in my urine?

Having protein in your urine, or proteinuria, can be a sign of early kidney damage, meaning the kidney's filters are leaky. Dr. Prentice will work to identify the cause and use treatments, often blood pressure medications, to reduce the leakage and protect your kidneys.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

Dr. Prentice's practice manages PKD as a long-term strategy focusing on controlling symptoms, slowing cyst growth, and improving quality of life. This includes strict blood pressure control, pain management, treatment of urinary tract infections, and discussion of newer medications that may slow disease progression.

Why would I need a kidney biopsy?

A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. It's the most definitive way to diagnose specific kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis and to help determine the best treatment plan.

How does Dr. Charles Prentice manage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Dr. Prentice's CKD management focuses on slowing disease progression and addressing complications. Key strategies include controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, providing dietary counseling, and prescribing medications to protect kidney function.

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

The decision to start dialysis is a shared one, considering many factors including your overall symptoms, kidney function (GFR), and ability to manage daily life. We carefully evaluate these elements together to determine the best course of action.