Disease Management of Kidney Disease

Disease management of kidney disease — also known as active medical management without dialysis — is a treatment option for people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not want to have dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Disease management of kidney disease focuses on managing symptoms while preserving function and quality of life. The experts at UPMC will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your kidney care needs, goals, preferences, and overall well-being.

What Is Disease Management of Kidney Disease? 

Disease management of kidney disease — also known as active medical management without dialysis — is a treatment option for people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not want to have dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Disease management for kidney disease focuses on managing symptoms while preserving function and quality of life.

What is an example of disease management?

Disease management could mean anything from taking medications to manage pain or adopting a kidney-friendly diet to getting referrals for end-of-life planning services.

What Conditions Do We Treat? 

Our kidney disease management team supports people who are living with a range of kidney conditions, including:

• Acute kidney injury.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (stage 5).
• Kidney failure.

Who Can Benefit from Disease Management of Kidney Disease?

Disease management of kidney disease is for individuals who want to prioritize the quality of their life, maintain their independence, and spend time at home instead of having intensive treatments like dialysis.

Typically, individuals who choose active medical management without dialysis are older with other advanced conditions, such as cancer, advanced heart disease, or advanced lung disease.

Can kidney disease be treated without dialysis?

Yes. Your kidney care team can help you manage symptoms and preserve kidney function as long as possible while prioritizing your quality of life.

What Disease Management Services Do We Offer for Kidney Disease? 

Our team offers a range of conservative management services for people with kidney disease. Our goal is to keep you out of the hospital and other medical settings as much as possible so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.

Our services include:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes may help you feel better and preserve your kidney function. Your doctor may recommend:

• Improving your diet and exercise routines to help you achieve a healthier weight, reduce your blood pressure, and lower your blood sugar. A low-sodium diet is essential.
• Quit smoking, limit alcohol use, and reduce stress.
• Restrict certain nutrients in your diet, such as protein, phosphorus, or potassium. Your kidneys may not filter excess amounts of these nutrients from your blood, and they can build up to dangerous levels in your body without proper filtering.

Your doctor may refer you to other medical specialists, such as a registered dietitian or a cardiologist, to help you manage your condition.

Pain and symptom management

If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms related to your kidney condition, your care team will treat your condition with medications and techniques that are safe for you.

Chronic condition management

If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions related to kidney disease, our team will help you manage your condition to improve your overall health.

Education

Your care team will work closely with you to educate you and your family and provide the information you need to understand your condition, care plan, prognosis, and treatment options.

Shared decision-making

You have the right to make decisions about the kidney disease treatments you receive. We can help you understand your treatment options so you can make decisions about your care.

Referrals for supportive services

Whether you need kidney palliative care, mental health support, or end-of-life planning assistance during your treatment, our experts will connect you with resources to help achieve your goals.

What Can I Expect? 

Active medical management without dialysis is tailored to your unique goals, needs, and preferences.

You can expect treatment that:

• Focuses on your quality of life. We emphasize managing your symptoms while promoting optimal mental health and honoring your wishes for your care.
• Improves how you spend your time. Our goal is to keep you out of the medical setting as much as possible. This lets you spend more time at home with friends and family.
• Supports you and your family. We can connect you and your loved ones with additional support services to ease the health care burden that often comes from having CKD.

Talk to your kidney provider about your treatment goals and whether conservative management for kidney disease may be the right choice for you. You can also learn more about active medical management without dialysis by meeting with one of our kidney palliative care providers.

Why Choose UPMC for Disease Management Services for Kidney Disease?

When you choose UPMC for disease management services for kidney disease, you will receive:

• Access to world-class nephrology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of kidney diseases and related symptoms using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
• A full range of treatment options — We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that slows the progression of your disease as much as possible and improves your quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary care — If you decide to pursue advanced kidney treatment, we partner with special dialysis clinics, experts in supportive care, and kidney transplant surgeons.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-04-24 by Faizan Syed, MD, ABOM.