Bear Valley Community Healthcare District is pleased to announce a new physician to the community: Prashanth Kumar, MD- Internal Medicine /Nephrology
Dr. Prashanth Kumar is a nephrologist who has practiced in the High Desert since 2008. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Medical Center.
Dr. Kumar’s nephrology practice spans the continuum of kidney care. His philosophy is one that is anchored in prevention and works collaboratively with his patients to not only monitor and treat, but also to raise awareness and to have his patients achieve a better understanding of how to live with the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Kumar is a senior partner in a small independent dialysis organization. He provides administrative and operational oversight to three outpatient dialysis facilities, local acute hospital based dialysis programs, and on-site dialysis at skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Kumar has a special interest in home dialysis as a treatment option. He currently serves on the physician advisory board for home dialysis for Network 18(HSAG-Medicare).
Dr. Kumar is also active in physician leadership and medical staff affairs within the hospitals in his community. He has served as Chairman of Internal Medicine as St. Mary Medical Center, and has ongoing participation in several hospital based committees including peer review, quality and medication safety.
Dr. Kumar has a special interest in working with his patients to help manage high blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading risk factor not only for kidney disease, but also for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Kumar’s approach to medical management of hypertension is evidence based, however, he has a strong belief in the powerful role of lifestyle and dietary modification as a strategy in the fight against high blood pressure. “My ultimate goal is to help my patients achieve target blood pressure, a state of health and well-being with the least number of medications.” He goes on to say, “both hypertension and kidney disease are common conditions, yet in most instances both are in many ways, silent and without overt symptoms. It is very important to keep your blood pressure well controlled to maintain kidney health”
BVCHD’s CEO Evan Rayner states” we are thrilled to add another dimension of health care and needed services to the community and our honored to have Dr Kumar bring his expertise to better service our region.This is part of our strategic direction and bringing services to the community to minimize our patients inconvenience and improve their quality of life”
BVCHD and Prashanth Kumar, MD are exploring innovative new ways to service patients not only in need of dialysis, renal failure and hypertension maintenance on a more local basis.
For DR Kumar’s local hrs call at BVCHD’s FHC at: 909-878-8227
