Dr. Samir Yassa, MD

About Dr. Samir Yassa, MD

Dr. Samir Yassa, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing in Merritt Island, FL, 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 practice 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 is currently welcoming new patients; please call (321) 453-5326 to schedule.

Dr. Samir Yassa, MD is a nephrologist in Merritt Island, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in 1990, followed by an internship at Ain Shams University in 1992. He completed his residency in Nephrology at Cook County Hospital in 1998 and further specialized with a fellowship at SUNY at Buffalo-Erie County Medical Center. With over 30 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 Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Cape Canaveral Hospital and Viera Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Yassa provides consultations primarily in English.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Samir Yassa addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Hydronephrosis: Your kidneys can become swollen and damaged when urine can't drain properly, a condition called hydronephrosis.
• Chronic Kidney Infection: It's a long-lasting kidney infection that causes ongoing symptoms and potential damage to kidney function.
• Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV: Your kidneys are severely impaired, functioning at a greatly reduced level (Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease), requiring close monitoring and management.
• Hypokalemia: Having low potassium, or hypokalemia, can disrupt your heart rhythm and cause muscle weakness or cramps.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: When severe liver disease causes kidney failure, it's called hepatorenal syndrome, a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
• Hypercalcemia: High levels of calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia, can be caused by several medical conditions.
• Limb Swelling: Swelling in your limbs can be a sign of kidney problems.
• Hyposmolality and Hyponatremia: Hyposmolality indicates your blood is too diluted, often because of low sodium levels (hyponatremia), potentially causing serious health issues.
• Renal Artery Arteriosclerotic Disease: Renal artery arteriosclerotic disease means the arteries supplying your kidneys have hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can cause weak bones and muscle pain.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Magnesium metabolism disorders affect how your body uses magnesium, potentially causing various health problems.
• Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs, potentially causing damage over time.

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

• End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) services encompass the treatment and management of kidney failure requiring life-sustaining therapies.
• Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis involves connecting you to a dialysis machine for several hours at a time, several times a week, to cleanse your blood.
• 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: Before donating a kidney, you'll undergo a thorough evaluation to make sure the donation is safe for both you and the recipient.
• 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.
• Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that removes harmful substances from your blood.
• Renal Scan: A renal scan uses a special dye to create images of your kidneys, showing how well they're working.
• Ultrasound: A kidney ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique to check for blockages, cysts, or other problems in your kidneys.

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

What is a Nephrologist?

Dr. Yassa and our team of nephrologists are medical doctors specializing in kidney diseases. We expertly manage conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, and provide comprehensive care for patients on dialysis or who have undergone a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Samir Yassa?

Your first visit with Dr. Yassa 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 ensure a thorough and efficient evaluation.

Does Dr. Samir Yassa 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.

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

The decision to start dialysis is a careful assessment of several factors, including kidney function (GFR), overall symptoms, and daily life management. It's a shared decision between the doctor and patient, considering all aspects of your health.

What is Dr. Samir Yassa's role in kidney transplantation?

Dr. Yassa plays a critical role in kidney transplantation, managing patients' overall health from evaluation for candidacy through the waiting list and long-term post-transplant care to ensure the success of the new kidney.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

We manage PKD as a long-term strategy, focusing on controlling symptoms and slowing cyst growth. This includes strict blood pressure control, pain management, treatment of urinary tract infections, and discussion of newer medications that may slow disease progression. Our team works with you to develop a personalized plan for optimal health.

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 to be examined under a microscope. It's the most definitive way to diagnose specific kidney diseases, like glomerulonephritis, and helps guide the best treatment plan.

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. Yassa's practice works closely with renal dietitians to support you.