Kidney Care
The kidneys, located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine, are vital organs responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and balancing fluids in the body. As part of the urinary system, they help eliminate waste and excess water through urine. Our nephrologists specialize in kidney care, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from kidney stones to renal failure.
Many kidney-related diseases are systemic, affecting multiple parts of the body. For instance, diabetes can impact kidney function, necessitating coordinated care from various specialists. At Snoqualmie Valley Health, our nephrologist works closely with other healthcare professionals, including cardiologists and endocrinologists, to provide comprehensive care that not only addresses symptoms but also promotes long-term health.
Appointments are by referral only, please contact your provider for a referral.
Conditions We Treat
Our Kidney Care team is equipped to diagnose and manage a wide range of kidney-related conditions, including:
- CKD Stage 3 and Above (GFR ≤ 59 ml/min): This indicates moderate to severe kidney function loss and requires specialized care.
- Proteinuria (Micro or Macro): Presence of protein in urine suggests kidney damage, needing early intervention.
- Poorly Controlled Hypertension: High blood pressure that persists despite treatment could indicate kidney issues.
- Suspicion of Secondary Hypertension: Especially in younger patients or those with a family history, this may warrant further investigation.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Imbalances in electrolytes can signal impaired kidney function.
- Non-Interventional Kidney Stones: If you’re managing kidney stones without surgery, our team can help reduce future risks.
- History of Kidney Transplant: Ongoing nephrology care is essential for transplant recipients to monitor kidney health.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Immediate attention is needed to prevent permanent damage from a sudden loss of kidney function.
Patient Resources
Explore our resources to learn more about kidney health, managing chronic conditions, and what to expect during your visit.
Meet Our Kidney Care Provider
Megha Shah
MD
Megha Shah
Dr. Megha Shah is a physician leader with extensive experience in hospital medicine, healthcare leadership, and ethics. She currently serves as Snoqualmie Valley Health’s Medical Director of Hospital Services.
Dr. Shah holds a Master’s in Medical Management from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts, Bioethics, and Health Policy at Loyola University, with a special interest in organizational ethics. She completed her medical training at Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi, India, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Unity Health System Hospital in Rochester, NY. She also completed a fellowship in Nephrology at Johns Hopkins University.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shah has led numerous initiatives to improve patient care and hospital operations. She has been recognized for her leadership and nominated as one of the Top 25 Emerging Leaders in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare for her contributions. In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Shah is actively involved in medical staff leadership, resource management, and cost-control innovation. She is also a clinical ethicist with a passion for promoting ethical decision-making in healthcare.
Outside of work, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, daughter, and their pets. She finds solace in outdoor activities like hiking and camping, practices yoga, indulges in singing, and cherishes quality family time.