Kidney Stones
A kidney stone, or urolithiasis, is a solid mass that forms in the kidney ranging from a millimeter to a half inch in size. Many kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract without assistance from a physician but sometimes the stone is too large and blocks the urinary tract. This can cause back pain, pain or a burning sensation during urination, bloody or cloudy urine, even fever, chills and vomiting.
If you have or have had kidney stones, read more about your medical condition:
- Treating kidney stones
- Reducing your risk for kidney stones
- Kidney stones and your ability to get coverage
- Health insurance options for people with kidney stones
What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are first treated with an analysis of the urine and a special diet including three quarts of water daily to prevent the stones from growing larger or increasing in number. If the stones don't pass on their own, you may need a urologist to perform one of a number of procedures including an outpatient procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which breaks up the stones with shock waves. Surgical procedures are more common for larger kidney stones and include percutaneous nephrolithotomy and ureteroscopy.
Are There Any Preventative Measures Which May Prevent Kidney Stones?
Because no one knows what exactly it is that builds up in the urine to create kidney stones, it is difficult to find preventative measures that really make a difference. Some people are simply more susceptible and if you've had a kidney stone once, you are more likely to develop one again. Those with kidney stones in their family history or a personal history of urinary tract problems especially will benefit from drinking a large amount of water every day to dilute the urine.
If you've had a kidney stone, your doctor can analyze it to determine the cause and develop a personalized prevention plan. Certain medications may be prescribed in addition to diets that are low in acidity or oxalate, depending upon the composition of your kidney stones.
How Might Kidney Stones Affect My Ability to Get Health Insurance?
If you have been treated for kidney stones in the six months prior to your application for health insurance, it may be considered a preexisting condition if it was one of many. Future claims for chronic kidney stones may not be covered for as long as the first 12 months of your new health insurance contract.
What Insurance Options Are Available to Those Who Have Kidney Stones?
There is no reason why kidney stones should prevent you from gaining health insurance coverage. Low-income individuals, those with families and seniors can find extra help with their insurance bills for medical bills that aren't covered through Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap and other programs.
Request a health insurance quote today!
Last Updated : Tuesday, August 14, 2007