Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is encountered by the primary care physician, in no small part owing to the high rates of hypertension and diabetes, the 2 most common etiologies of chronic kidney disease in the United States. As a primary care physician, it is important to understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and evaluation methods of chronic kidney disease even before a referral to nephrology. Additionally, the primary care physician plays a vital role in mitigating the risks of chronic kidney disease as well as the complications and comorbidities.