Dr. Howard Sackel, MD

About Dr. Howard Sackel, MD

Dr. Howard Sackel, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing at his Orlando, FL clinic, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus is 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 patients should call (407) 894-4693 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Howard Sackel, MD is a nephrologist in Orlando, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from State University Of New York, Health Science Center At Syracuse in 1976 and is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Nephrology care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. 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. Sackel is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, providing a supportive and reassuring environment for all patients. He provides consultations primarily in English.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Howard Sackel addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can't filter waste from your blood as well as they should.
• Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Phosphorus metabolism disorders affect how your body handles phosphorus, potentially leading to high or low levels in your blood.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure and chronic kidney disease often occur together, increasing the risk of heart problems and other complications.
• Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia is a condition where there's an excess of calcium in your bloodstream.
• Nephritis and Nephropathy: Nephritis indicates inflammation within the kidneys, while nephropathy is a broader term for any kidney disease that affects its function.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can cause weakness, bone pain, and other health problems.
• Proteinuria: Having protein in your urine, called proteinuria, suggests your kidneys might not be filtering waste properly.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Fluid buildup in your limbs can cause swelling.
• Renal Hyperparathyroidism: Renal hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your kidneys don't work properly, leading to an overproduction of parathyroid hormone which can weaken bones.
• Hyperkalemia: High levels of potassium in your bloodstream are referred to as hyperkalemia.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure is a major cause of kidney damage, and this combination is known as hypertensive chronic kidney disease.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Howard Sackel 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. Howard Sackel 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: This process involves multiple tests to determine your eligibility for a kidney transplant and plan for a successful procedure.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: This evaluation helps doctors determine if you meet the health requirements to donate a kidney and to minimize any risks.
• Renal Scan: This imaging test helps determine if your kidneys are filtering waste effectively and identifies potential blockages.
• Ultrasound: A kidney ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique to check for blockages, cysts, or other problems in your kidneys.
• Lithotripsy: Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed in your urine.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis is a type of kidney dialysis where a cleansing fluid is washed through a catheter in your abdomen to remove waste products.

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

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Sackel and his team are nephrologists, meaning they are medical doctors specializing in kidney diseases. They expertly manage conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, and provide care for those on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Howard Sackel?

Your first visit with Dr. Sackel 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. Sackel formulate the best possible plan for your care.

Does Dr. Howard Sackel 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.

I have recurrent kidney stones. How can a nephrologist help?

Dr. Sackel and our team specialize in preventing kidney stones from recurring. We perform metabolic testing to identify the cause, then recommend dietary changes, hydration strategies, and potentially medications to reduce your risk of future stones.

What is Dr. Howard Sackel's role in kidney transplantation?

Dr. Sackel is a key part of the transplant team, evaluating patients for candidacy, managing their health while waiting, and providing ongoing care after the transplant to ensure the success of the new kidney.

Is it serious to have protein in my urine?

Persistent protein in your urine can be an early sign of kidney damage, meaning the kidney's filters are leaky. A nephrologist will identify the cause and use treatments, often blood pressure medications, to reduce leakage and protect your kidneys.

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. Sackel's practice works closely with renal dietitians to provide comprehensive support.

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, made collaboratively between you and Dr. Sackel.