Nephrology

Outpatient Kidney Care Clinic at RCH

  • When: 1st Thursday of every month*
  • Provider: Dr. Patrick Chua of Associates in Kidney Care
  • To schedule an appointment: call (641) 464-4409 or use the online RCH request an appointment form. Referrals can be faxed to (641) 464-4447.

*Schedule is subject to change. Please view the current month’s schedule for the latest updates.

Associates in Kidney Care. Ringgold County Hospital offers nephrology services in partnership with Associates in Kidney Care. Patrick Chua, MD is a board certified physician specializing in internal medicine and nephrology. He treats common kidney related diagnoses, such as chronic kidney disease, nephritis, and electrolyte disorders. He will also assess for risks that can lead to kidney damage such as diabetes, hypertension, and the use of certain medications. This clinic is held on the 1st Thursday of every month.

What Is Nephrology?

Nephrology is the field of medicine focused on kidney health.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found below the ribs toward the middle of the back. Each is just an estimated 4”-5” long. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from your blood – and maintaining a healthy balance of water, salt, and minerals within the body. This can help regulate your blood pressure.

A nephrologist treats a wide variety of ailments that can affect the kidneys, everything from high blood pressure and electrolyte disorders to renal insufficiency and kidney failure.

Services Offered

At Ringgold County Hospital, our outpatient nephrology clinic offers patients the opportunity to consult with and receive care from a kidney care provider.

Why You May Need to See a Kidney Provider

Signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of kidney disease include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Constant urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Foamy urine
  • Swelling around the eyes due to fluid build-up

You may have an increased risk of developing kidney disease if you have:

  • A family history of kidney disease
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease
  • Live a sedentary lifestyle
  • Abnormal kidney structure

Kidney Care in Mount Ayr, IA

Do you require the expertise of a kidney provider? At Ringgold County Hospital, our outpatient nephrology clinic provides you access with a board-certified nephrology provider – without having to leave Mount Ayr, Iowa. Schedule your appointment with a provider at our next nephrology clinic.