Dr. Fernando Pedraza, MD

About Dr. Fernando Pedraza, MD

Dr. Fernando Pedraza, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his clinic in Miami, 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 with the utmost compassion and attention to detail.

Dr. Fernando Pedraza, MD is a nephrologist in Miami, FL, affiliated with Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Regional Hospital South. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He 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. Dr. Pedraza's care philosophy aligns with Memorial Healthcare System's commitment to patient- and family-centered care, providing a comprehensive scope of high-quality medical and surgical services. He provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (305) 585-1111 to schedule an appointment.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Fernando Pedraza addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Congenital Renal Agenesis and Dysgenesis: Children born with congenital renal agenesis and dysgenesis have missing or abnormally formed kidneys.
• Kidney Infection: Kidney infection can cause pain, fever, and other symptoms.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by proteinuria (protein in the urine), nephrotic syndrome causes swelling (edema), high cholesterol, and potential kidney damage.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a condition where the body's immune system attacks the blood vessels, potentially causing inflammation and damage.
• Ureteral Stones: Kidney stones that travel down the ureter, causing pain and potential blockage of urine flow.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: With ESRD, your kidneys are so damaged that they can't remove waste products from your blood effectively, necessitating dialysis or transplantation.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Your body's immune system is reacting to the hepatitis B virus.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Fluid buildup in your limbs can cause swelling.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Magnesium metabolism disorders affect how your body uses magnesium, potentially causing various health problems.
• Acute Kidney Failure: Acute kidney injury is a condition where your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluids from your blood efficiently, often suddenly.
• Acute Kidney Infection: An acute kidney infection is a sudden infection of the kidneys, often causing pain, fever, and changes in urination.
• Kidney Stones: Small kidney stones may pass unnoticed, but larger stones can cause severe pain and require medical attention.

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

• Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis that removes waste and excess fluid from your blood through a process of filtration and diffusion.
• Kidney Transplant: A kidney transplant offers a potential cure for end-stage renal disease, replacing the failing kidneys with a healthy one.
• 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: The living kidney donor evaluation involves comprehensive medical tests to determine if you can safely donate a kidney.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: With peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is placed in your belly, absorbs waste and extra fluid, and is then drained out.
• Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that removes and filters your blood plasma to help treat certain medical conditions.
• 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. Fernando Pedraza. 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. Fernando Pedraza:

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. Fernando Pedraza?

Your first visit with Dr. Pedraza 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. Pedraza provide the most thorough and accurate assessment possible.

Does Dr. Fernando Pedraza accept my insurance?

Dr. Pedraza's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to verify your insurance coverage for nephrology services. We will be happy to assist you with this information.

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.

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

The decision to start dialysis is a careful consideration of several factors, including your overall symptoms, kidney function (GFR), and ability to manage daily life. It's a shared decision between you and Dr. Pedraza, based on a comprehensive evaluation.

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. Pedraza's practice works closely with renal dietitians to support you in developing a personalized plan.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

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

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter your blood, typically performed at a dialysis center. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood, often allowing for treatment at home.