Patients need to know if they are at risk of developing kidney stones, which is why they need to consider a metabolic stone evaluation. This is a critical part of any patient’s regular checkup and health schedule to prevent the development of these painful and frustrating metabolic disorders. More information about metabolic stone evaluations in Clear Lake, Texas, is available when contacting HTX Urology.
A metabolic stone evaluation is a series of tests used to check whether the patient is at risk of developing kidney stones. It can also evaluate which kind of kidney stones may develop. There are several types of stone formations that patients can face, such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.
The tests themselves involve analysis of the stones themselves, along with urine and blood tests. After a metabolic stone evaluation, the next steps that need to be taken will be determined, and a treatment option will be recommended.
There are several factors that could indicate if a patient is in need of a metabolic stone evaluation or not. Among the factors that will need to be considered are their diet, symptoms, and lifestyle. Patients with a primarily meat-based diet and patients who typically eat food that is high in salt and oxalate are at higher risk of stone formation.
“Educational and helpful”
“The experience was educational and helpful. The Dr. was extremely on target for my needs.”
A metabolic stone evaluation is a fairly straightforward process. The patient will simply need to submit samples for analysis, including any stone they may have passed, urine, and blood. The stones will be examined to determine type. The blood and urine will be analyzed to check for markers pointing to metabolic issues.
Other diagnostic tests may also be ordered. These can include ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, and intravenous pyelograms.
Patients will also need to answer certain questions. These will involve details about their medical history, any medications they are taking, what their diet is like, and any symptoms that they are experiencing.
After the results of the metabolic stone evaluation have been determined, these results will be explained to the patient in detail. Patients can ask any questions they may have at this time.
Depending on what is discovered during the metabolic stone evaluation, patients may be given instructions regarding diet and lifestyle adjustments to prevent stone formation if it has not happened already. If the patient is already suffering from kidney stones, a list of options will be provided for treatment or to prevent the issue from becoming more severe.
The price of a metabolic stone evaluation can be discussed when the patient contacts us for their appointment. Contact your health insurance provider to find out more about coverage for this test.
Contact HTX Urology today to schedule a consultation for a metabolic stone evaluation in Clear Lake, Texas. More details about prevention and treatment of kidney stones will be available during the visit.
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