Refer a Patient to Dr. Lal

What to send with your referral

• Patient demographics and insurance information
• Reason for referral, with an urgency flag (urgent vs. routine)
• Relevant clinic notes
• Recent labs — CMP/BMP, eGFR trend, urinalysis, and uACR if available
• Relevant imaging reports (renal ultrasound, CT)
• Current medication list

Fax to (903) 730-6392, or call (903) 841-4454 to speak with our staff directly. Urgent cases: call — we will work the patient in.

When to refer

Consider nephrology referral when you see any of the following:

• Declining kidney function — a falling eGFR, or CKD that is progressing despite treatment. Not sure whether to refer yet? Call and ask; Dr. Lal would rather discuss a borderline case early.
• uACR > 300 mg/g (severely increased albuminuria)
• Resistant hypertension — uncontrolled on 3 agents including a diuretic
• Recurrent nephrolithiasis — metabolic workup and prevention
• Abnormal renal imaging — cystic disease, asymmetric kidneys, unexplained findings
• Persistent hematuria or proteinuria of unclear cause
• Recurrent or unexplained electrolyte abnormalities (hyperkalemia, hyponatremia)
• Anemia of CKD requiring iron or ESA management
• Pre-dialysis education, access planning, or transplant evaluation

Earlier referral — at stage 3b rather than stage 4–5 — is consistently associated with better outcomes and smoother dialysis or transplant preparation.

What your office can expect from us

• Prompt scheduling. Routine referrals are contacted quickly; urgent referrals are worked in — call us directly for same-week needs.
• A consult report back to you after every visit. You will never wonder whether your patient was seen or what the plan is.
• Co-management, not takeover. We handle the nephrology; your patient stays your patient.
• Telehealth options for patients who struggle to travel.

Referral info sheet for your front desk

Patients in extremis belong in the emergency department — this page is for outpatient referrals.