Challenges in Management of Kidney Failure in a Free Clinic Setting: A Case Report

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that involves the deterioration of renal function over the course of months to years. Various clinical manifestations occur at the initial insult to the kidney, ranging from subtle changes in metabolic and volume control to asymptomatic hematuria, hypertension, and diabetes. The kidneys can adapt to damage or injury, but if left untreated, then there is a possibility of a gradual decline in renal function that progresses to kidney failure that requires dialysis. The rate of progression between stages of CKD is based upon the underlying disease, presence of comorbidity conditions, treatments, socioeconomic status, genetics, and ethnicity. If an individual’s renal function progresses to kidney failure, then patients may experience a constellation of signs and symptoms that include hyperkalemia, volume overload, hypertension, anemia, and bone disorders. Classification or staging of CKD provides a guide to management and stratification of risk for progression to kidney failure. In this report, we describe a 47-year-old African American male who reported a 25-year history of intermittent homelessness, cocaine, and heroin use but remained free from drug use for 10 years before presenting to our clinic. The patient was diagnosed with hypertension and stage 3 kidney disease in his 30s but was unable to have regular follow-up appointments with a physician due to a lack of access to care. The patient presented asymptomatic with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 14 mL/min and creatinine of 5.42 mg/dL. We stabilized his hypertension and consulted nephrology to assess the need and timing for dialysis. Once approved for Medicare, the patient was able to be seen within 72 hours and started on dialysis shortly after. He is currently awaiting a kidney transplant. In this case, we describe and highlight the gaps in care for the medically uninsured, specifically patients with CKD. Our patient was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease 17 years before presenting to the Gary Burnstein Clinic. The gaps in accessible healthcare prevented him from accessing treatments he desperately needed. We also highlight the achievements and barriers free health clinics face on a day-to-day basis when trying to manage complex medical needs. We were able to provide high-quality healthcare to bridge the gap in access to care and ultimately get the patient the proper treatment.