FAQ — Concierge Complex Disease Management & Nephrology | Eric A. Wechsler, MD

Question 1

What is concierge complex disease management?

Accepted Answer

Concierge complex disease management is a model in which a physician limits the practice to a small number of high-acuity patients and provides extended visits, direct physician access, and active coordination across all specialists and care settings — including the hospital. Dr. Wechsler's practice is designed for patients managing serious or multiple medical conditions — cardiorenal disease, multi-system chronic illness, advanced kidney disease, transplant — who require more than a brief quarterly visit.

Question 2

How is this different from a standard nephrology practice?

Accepted Answer

In a conventional nephrology practice, a physician may manage hundreds of patients, leaving limited time for each visit. In Dr. Wechsler's concierge model, the panel is intentionally small. Appointments are unhurried. Patients have direct access to Dr. Wechsler — not a nurse line or a portal message that may take days to receive a response. For patients managing serious kidney disease alongside heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, this level of access and attention is often the difference between staying ahead of the disease and falling behind it.

Question 3

Does concierge nephrology involve a membership fee?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the office directly to discuss the practice model and any associated fees. Dr. Wechsler's team will walk you through what is included and answer any questions before you commit to anything.

Question 4

Does Dr. Wechsler accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the office to discuss insurance and billing arrangements. The team will clarify what applies to your specific situation before your first visit.

Question 5

What conditions does Dr. Wechsler treat?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Wechsler's clinical focus includes chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension and resistant hypertension, diabetic and metabolic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, cardiorenal syndrome, home dialysis, kidney transplant co-management, complex multi-system chronic disease, and preventive and longevity medicine. His approach centers on the kidney's relationship to the heart, liver, and metabolic system — conditions that rarely travel alone.

Question 6

What is cardiorenal syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cardiorenal syndrome describes the bidirectional relationship between heart failure and kidney disease — when one organ fails, it accelerates failure in the other. Managing it requires a physician who understands both systems. Dr. Wechsler specializes in exactly this intersection, coordinating care with cardiologists to address both organs simultaneously rather than treating each in isolation.

Question 7

What is glomerulonephritis, and can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli), often caused by autoimmune disease. It can lead to protein in the urine, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and progressive kidney failure if not managed appropriately. Accurate diagnosis — typically requiring a kidney biopsy — is essential, as treatment depends on the specific type. Many forms respond well to immunosuppressive therapy when caught and treated early.

Question 8

What does kidney transplant co-management involve?

Accepted Answer

A kidney transplant is not the end of nephrology care — it is the beginning of a new phase. Dr. Wechsler works alongside transplant teams to manage immunosuppression, monitor graft function, and protect the transplanted kidney long term. He serves as a local nephrology resource for transplant recipients who need ongoing monitoring and management between visits to their transplant center.

Question 9

What is home dialysis, and is it right for me?

Accepted Answer

Home dialysis — either peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis — allows patients with end-stage kidney disease to receive dialysis treatment at home rather than traveling to a dialysis center three times per week. It offers greater flexibility, better quality of life for many patients, and in some cases better clinical outcomes. Dr. Wechsler evaluates each patient individually and discusses all dialysis options, including home modalities, as part of comprehensive kidney failure planning.

Question 10

Can kidney disease be slowed or reversed?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes — particularly when caught early. The rate of progression of chronic kidney disease depends heavily on how well the underlying causes are controlled: blood pressure, blood sugar, proteinuria, and inflammation. Dr. Wechsler's practice is built around early, aggressive management of these drivers. While advanced kidney disease cannot be reversed, progression can often be slowed significantly, and in some patients stabilized for years.

Question 11

Is Dr. Wechsler accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Wechsler is currently accepting a limited number of new patients. Because the practice is intentionally small, availability is not guaranteed. Contact the office at (949) 642-4974 or submit a consultation request to inquire about current openings.

Question 12

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

A referral is not required to contact the office or request a consultation. However, if you are being referred by your primary care physician or another specialist, please have them send relevant records in advance — it allows Dr. Wechsler to review your history before your first appointment and make the most of your time together.

Question 13

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a complete list of your current medications (including supplements), any recent lab results (particularly kidney function panels, urine studies, and metabolic panels), imaging reports if relevant, and a summary of your medical history. If you have records from prior nephrologists or specialists, those are especially helpful. The more complete the picture at the first visit, the more productive the consultation.

Question 14

Does Dr. Wechsler offer telehealth visits?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the office to discuss visit options. Telehealth may be available for certain follow-up appointments depending on clinical need and your location.

Question 15

Where is the office located?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Wechsler's office is located at 1501 Superior Ave, Suite 205, Newport Beach, CA 92663 — affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Visits are by appointment only.

Question 16

What hospital is Dr. Wechsler affiliated with?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Wechsler is affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, where he serves as Chief of Dialysis Services and has twice been elected by his peers to chair the Division of Nephrology. This means continuity of care: the physician managing your outpatient kidney disease is the same physician directing your care if you are admitted to Hoag.

Question 17

How do I contact the office?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the office by phone at (949) 642-4974 or by submitting a consultation request through the contact form on this site. All inquiries are directed to the concierge team at Southern California Kidney Associates.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Concierge Complex Disease Management

Conditions & Treatment

Becoming a Patient

The Practice & Location

Still have questions?