Dr. Michael Achinger, MD

About Dr. Michael Achinger, MD

Dr. Michael Achinger, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing at our Lakeland, 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). 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (863) 680-7845 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Achinger, MD is a nephrologist in Lakeland, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1995 and is affiliated with Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, employing an approach focused on evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment. He is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Michael Achinger addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections spread through sexual contact.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and neurological problems.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders affect how your body handles minerals like calcium and phosphorus, potentially causing problems with your bones and other organs.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is a condition where pain, numbness, or weakness occurs due to pressure on a nerve root in the spine.
• Otitis Media: Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Acute pharyngitis is a sore throat that comes on quickly.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine causes pain and stiffness in the back.
• Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Fever: Fever is a common sign of illness, often indicating your body is fighting an infection.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Low blood oxygen levels can lead to a lack of oxygen in your body's tissues.
• Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia means you have a lower than normal level of potassium in your blood.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and can be dangerous if it travels to the lungs.

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

• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand how diabetes affects your kidneys and how to prevent or slow kidney disease progression.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Immunization Administration: Our immunization service provides vaccinations to protect you from preventable diseases.
• Wellness Examination: Our wellness examination helps you maintain your overall health and well-being.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: With peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is placed in your belly, absorbs waste and extra fluid, and is then drained out.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to check your heart's rhythm and look for any abnormalities.
• Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis involves connecting you to a dialysis machine for several hours at a time, several times a week, to cleanse your blood.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: This process assesses your overall health and suitability to donate a kidney, ensuring your safety and well-being.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of your kidneys, helping doctors assess their size, shape, and blood flow.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Kidney transplant evaluation involves tests and assessments to determine if you're a suitable candidate for a kidney transplant.
• Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that removes harmful substances from your blood.
• Renal Scan: This test uses radioactive material to check blood flow and function within your kidneys.

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

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Achinger and our team of nephrologists are medical doctors specializing in kidney diseases. We manage 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. Michael Achinger?

Your first visit with Dr. Achinger 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. Achinger provide the most accurate and thorough assessment of your condition.

Does Dr. Michael Achinger accept my insurance?

Dr. Achinger's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to verify your insurance coverage for nephrology services. We need your specific insurance information to confirm benefits.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

Dr. Achinger and our team manage 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 can potentially slow disease progression.

What are electrolyte disorders?

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

Is it serious to have protein in my urine?

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

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis cleanses blood using a machine, typically at a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis utilizes the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, often performed at home.

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that performs the function of the kidneys when they have failed. It works by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood, and there are different types, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.