Patient Resources
New Patient Information
Everything you need before your first visit — forms, portal access, education, and diet guides — all in one place.
Patient Portal
Athena Patient & Payment Portal
Access your lab results, appointment summaries, billing, and secure messaging through the Athena Health patient portal. Telehealth visits for established patients are also available through the portal.
Access Patient PortalYour first nephrology appointment
A first visit with a nephrologist is different from a primary care appointment. We will review your complete medical history, your current medications, your lab results going back as far as you can provide, and any imaging studies of your kidneys. We will ask detailed questions about your family history, your diet, and your symptoms. The appointment typically takes 45–60 minutes.
What to bring
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most commercial PPO plans. Please call our office to verify your specific plan before your appointment. We will also verify your benefits and obtain any required referrals or authorizations prior to your visit.
Do I need a referral?
Many insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist. Please check with your insurance plan before scheduling. If you are unsure, call our office and we will help you navigate the process.
How long will my first appointment take?
Plan for 45–60 minutes for your first visit. We take the time to review your complete history and answer your questions thoroughly.
What if I have labs from another provider?
Please bring all recent lab results, especially kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR, BUN, urine protein). The more history we have, the better we can assess your kidney function trend.
Can I bring a family member?
Absolutely. We encourage patients to bring a family member or trusted person to their first appointment. Having a second set of ears helps ensure that nothing important is missed.
What happens after my first visit?
After your first visit, we will send a summary to your referring physician and any other specialists involved in your care. We will schedule follow-up labs and a return appointment based on your clinical situation.
Ready to schedule your first visit?
We are accepting new patients in Newport Beach. Our team will help you navigate insurance and scheduling.