Dr. Paul Alfino, MD

About Dr. Paul Alfino, MD

Dr. Paul Alfino, 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 serve all ages and am currently welcoming new patients. Please call (386) 346-2217 to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Paul Alfino, MD is a nephrologist in Lake City, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Washington University School Of Medicine, followed by an internship at Temple University Lewis Katz School Of Medicine. His residency training in Nephrology was completed at Temple University Hospital, and he further specialized with fellowship training in New York University, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Nephrology by the same board. In our practice we hope to provide nephrology services to our community by treating each patient as an individual with special attention to personal respect as well as customized and specific medical care. Dr. Paul Alfino provides consultations primarily in English.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Paul Alfino addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Acidosis: Acidosis is a condition where your body has too much acid.
• Small Kidney: Having smaller kidneys might point to a variety of underlying health problems, which requires medical evaluation.
• Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Chronic glomerulonephritis involves ongoing inflammation in the tiny filtering structures of your kidneys, leading to gradual kidney damage.
• Chronic Nephritic Syndrome: This condition, chronic nephritic syndrome, signifies a slow but progressive damage to the kidneys, marked by inflammation and changes in urine.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, including some affecting the kidneys.
• Congenital Cystic Kidney Disease: Congenital cystic kidney disease means a person is born with cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in their kidneys.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes where your body produces excess acid, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
• Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs, potentially causing damage over time.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult failure to thrive is a condition where a person doesn't gain or maintain a healthy weight, often due to underlying medical issues.
• Hyposmolality and Hyponatremia: Hyposmolality and hyponatremia mean your blood has too little salt and too little dissolved particles, making it too diluted.
• Congenital Anomalies of Kidney: Congenital kidney anomalies encompass a range of issues, from minor variations to significant impairments in kidney development.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Tobacco use disorder is a condition where a person has difficulty stopping or controlling their tobacco use, despite negative consequences.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to check your heart's rhythm and look for any abnormalities.
• End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: These services manage the complex needs of people with severely damaged kidneys, often including dialysis treatments and related support.
• Hemodialysis: If your kidneys fail, hemodialysis is a way to remove waste products and excess fluid that would otherwise build up in your body.
• Immunization Administration: Our immunization administration service provides vaccinations to protect you from preventable diseases.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Kidney transplant evaluation involves tests and assessments to determine if you're a suitable candidate for a kidney transplant.
• 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: Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) as a filter to clean your blood when your kidneys are not working properly.
• Renal Scan: A renal scan uses a special dye to create images of your kidneys, showing how well they're working.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to visualize your kidneys and nearby structures, assisting in the diagnosis of kidney-related issues.

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

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Alfino and our nephrology team are medical doctors specializing in kidney diseases. We have expertise in managing conditions such as 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. Paul Alfino?

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

Does Dr. Paul Alfino accept my insurance?

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

What is the connection between my kidneys and high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can harm the kidneys, and kidney problems can lead to high blood pressure. Dr. Alfino is an expert in managing complex or resistant hypertension, often by addressing kidney-related factors.

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. A nephrologist will identify the cause and use treatments, often blood pressure medications, to reduce the leakage and protect your kidneys.

What is glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli. It can be caused by various factors, including infections and autoimmune diseases. Treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation, often with immunosuppressive medications.

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

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

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

Dr. Alfino specializes in preventing kidney stones from recurring. He'll perform metabolic testing to identify the cause, then recommend dietary changes, hydration strategies, and potentially medication to reduce the risk of future stones.