Emphasizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Early CKD Diagnosis

In this episode, ‘Emphasizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Early CKD Diagnosis,’ the panelists explore the following question:

1. How does research in this area emphasize the need for proactive detection strategies across specialties?

The discussion emphasizes that early diagnosis and management of CKD is a shared responsibility across specialties, not the sole domain of nephrology or primary care, given the numerous clinical touchpoints for patients with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Panelists highlight how diffusion of responsibility and workflow barriers—such as uncertainty about urine testing, confusion around uACR and eGFR interpretation, and lack of follow-up processes—often lead to missed screening and delayed action. They stress that relying on “someone else” to address CKD allows patients to fall through the cracks, underscoring the need for every clinician to become comfortable with screening, communication, and early treatment. Drawing parallels to cardiology’s evolution in owning cholesterol and SGLT2 inhibitor use, the panel calls for a cultural shift in which all specialties step forward, supported by decision tools and updated care models, to deliver timely, evidence-based CKD care.

The next episode in this series, ‘Combined Role of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) Testing in CKD,’ features the panelists advancing their conversation on chronic kidney disease and focusing on the practical steps clinicians can take after ordering a uACR, including how to interpret the result and communicate its significance to patients. It emphasizes using uACR alongside eGFR and the KDIGO heat map to reveal hidden kidney and cardiovascular risk that might otherwise go undetected.