Dr. Viraj Bhalani, MD

About Dr. Viraj Bhalani, MD

Dr. Viraj Bhalani, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing at Florida Kidney Physicians in Brandon, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care to all ages. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Bhalani provides 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 is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (352) 285-9681 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Bhalani brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in nephrology care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 2008, followed by an internship at St. Joseph Medical Center. He completed residency training in Nephrology at St. Joseph Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, and further specialized with fellowship training in University of Texas at Houston. His previous roles include hospitalist at Temple University, research assistant at the Renal Research Institute, where he published in medical journals, and teaching attending in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brandon Regional Hospital. He also held private practice as part of Brandon Nephrology and currently serves as Medical Director of DaVita East Brandon Dialysis Unit, overseeing both in-center hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Dr. Bhalani is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to working collaboratively with patients to proactively improve their health and quality of life, providing detailed explanations of diagnoses, and staying current with the latest medical advancements to offer the most up-to-date treatment options. Dr. Bhalani primarily provides consultations in English.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Viraj Bhalani addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Peripheral nerve disorders affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing various symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis of the foot causes pain and stiffness in the joints of the foot.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can lead to insufficient blood flow to organs.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition characterized by the formation of numerous cysts in the kidneys, eventually leading to decreased kidney function.
• Hyposmolality and Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) often cause low blood concentration (hyposmolality), a condition indicating your body has too much water relative to electrolytes.
• Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic condition where many cysts grow in your kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.
• Food Poisoning: Food poisoning is a sickness caused by eating contaminated food.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
• Hypokalemia: Having low potassium, or hypokalemia, can disrupt your heart rhythm and cause muscle weakness or cramps.
• Alkalosis: Alkalosis signifies a decrease in the acidity of your blood, impacting various bodily functions.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the walls of your blood vessels, potentially leading to kidney damage.
• Diabetes Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Viraj Bhalani 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. Viraj Bhalani 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 measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Our nephrology service provides comprehensive care for complex kidney conditions and procedures.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart.
• Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment that uses a machine to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can't.
• Immunization Administration: Our immunization administration service provides vaccinations to protect you from preventable diseases.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: The kidney transplant evaluation process assesses your medical history, current health status, and suitability for transplantation.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: The living kidney donor evaluation involves comprehensive medical tests to determine if you can safely donate a kidney.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Viraj Bhalani. 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. Viraj Bhalani:

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. Viraj Bhalani?

Your first visit with Dr. Bhalani 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 to help ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Viraj Bhalani accept my insurance?

Dr. Bhalani's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for nephrology services before your appointment.

What is glomerulonephritis?

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

What is Dr. Viraj Bhalani's role in kidney transplantation?

Dr. Bhalani plays a crucial role in kidney transplantation, acting as the primary medical manager for patients. He evaluates patients for transplant candidacy, manages their health while they are on the waiting list, and provides ongoing, vital long-term care after the transplant to ensure the new kidney is protected.

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 work to reduce the leakage with treatments, often blood pressure medications, to protect your kidneys.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

Dr. Bhalani's practice manages 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 may slow disease progression.

What's the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter blood, typically done at a dialysis center. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, often performed at home.