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Overall Patient Rating
“Even someone who just has 15% of kidney function might feel perfectly normal.”
Growing up in the Boston area with both a father and a grandfather who were physicians, it wasn’t surprising that Dr. Felipe Fernandez del Castillo also decided to devote his life to helping others.
As a nephrologist, Dr. Fernandez del Castillo takes care of patients who are having problems with their kidneys. “There’s really two different settings for taking care of patients with kidney disease,” he explains. “We take care of patients in the office and have various medications that we can use to slow progression of disease. In some cases, there are medications we can give to stop kidney disease and make it go away. We also take care of patients on chronic dialysis. My particular interest is home-based dialysis which I think is an underutilized treatment for kidney disease. It’s very effective and has been in use since the 70s and 80s.”
Dr. Fernandez del Castillo also has a clinical interest in blood pressure control. “I’m also a certified hypertension specialist as well as a nephrologist. Controlling blood pressure is very important for long term health, and I really enjoy that aspect of the care I provide patients.”
One of the issues with treating kidney disease is that symptoms do not show until the very late stages. “Even someone who just has 15% of kidney function might feel perfectly normal. The first thing we see are abnormalities in the blood work, and sometimes in the urine,” he explains. “Only at the very last stages do people start to feel what we call uremia – loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Fluid can also accumulate and cause swelling and breathing problems, as well as confusion and fatigue.”
Dr. Fernandez del Castillo says that the technology we have today allows for very accurate prediction models when it comes to potential risks for kidney patients. “You can tell someone who might feel perfectly fine that they have a 60% chance of being on dialysis in five years,” he explains. “That really helps and allows them to make plans. The technology and data really make a difference.”
According to Dr. Fernandez del Castillo, patients undergoing dialysis only have a limited amount of kidney function, about 8%, so it can be difficult to care for them. “The kidneys have more roles than just cleaning the blood. They coordinate a complex system in the body including hormones and feedback loops that regulate important functions like bone health, vascular calcification and blood levels. So, dialysis can’t replace all those functions and we have to try to use other means. That’s why kidney transplants are really preferable for the right patients. Patients with kidney transplants often do very well.”
In his spare time Dr. Fernandez del Castillo enjoys hiking and being around his family. He also loves reading, including history, poetry, and fiction.
Star ratings are based on patient responses to the question, “How Likely are you to Recommend Care Provider?” The average score is then displayed in an easy to view, 5-star format. Learn more about how we measure our patient experience. (opens in new window)
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
explains issues clearly
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Very knowledgeable.
This patient rated the doctor 4.5 out of 5 stars.
He's very professional, caring and interacting with patients and visitors
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He is an amazing physician. Compassionate and understanding.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Very professional and addressed me as a patient should be addressed. not the condescending way many physicians address patients. He listened to my input even if we did not agree on some issues.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Prompt clear answers to questions sent through MyChart.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Lile himm a my specialist l
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
The doctor was very knowledgeable and answered my questions
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Cares about his patients
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
G O O D M A N
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He listens to me and explains everything and had me realize everything that is happening is due to my actions in the past
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Felipe is willing to listen and discuss things.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was attentive to my care & very polite. He did help me with questions I had. Very good Dr.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Examined my needs, listened well, checked and tested me thoroughly, explained my situation carefully, and suggested future actions.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
His questions were all related to the reason for the visit and he really listened to my questions and provided explanations.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
apart from medical issues, we have several areas of common interest
This patient rated the doctor 4 out of 5 stars.
A good, knowledgeable doctor. Needs to pay more attention to what patient is saying.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I am very comfortable and at ease with him. I feel like I could talk to him about anything.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Medical competence
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He takes time to explain what it is you need to know.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Does a thorough job
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Fernandez is wonderful dr. He eplains everyhing and makes sure you understand. He has a nice personality and makes you feel at ease
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
he was most polite and took time to explain things to me and discussed my questions in detail with me He is a true asset to [omitted] He took time to understand me and my issue as well as was well versed in my records and previous health checks by other doctors. He will go places with [omitted] and I hope!!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Knowledgeable & caring
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was very helpful and listened to what I had to ask and he was honest with his answers.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Castillo informs of what to expect on any treatment and allows me to be active in the treatment process.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent bedside manner and communication
This patient rated the doctor 4.5 out of 5 stars.
He is very thorough regarding my issues
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He listens to the patient and offers optjons on care. He is very knowledgeable.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He seems very knowledgeable seems to be a very caring doctor ! He takes the time to explain things to his patients !
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He is very personable and is prompt in responding to a question/message sent to him. He takes the time to explain concerns thoroughly.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Without hesitation yes absolutely!
This patient rated the doctor 4.5 out of 5 stars.
very thorough and caring.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
The doctor was very attentive and explained everything about my condition and was concerned that I follow up on my kidneys.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I like him he listens to me answers all my questions
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Fernandez listened to my concerns re changes in meds... he is/was caring, and seemed to understand where I'm coming from re. tx.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent care
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He made sure I understood why I was there and what it meant. He answered all of my questions with thought and care. He left great notes that my cardiologist and I are able to discuss in regards to my kidneys and heart medication. Also, he’s a personable human
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was kind and knowledgeable
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Professional and good bedside manner.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He saved my life!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent Dr
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He’s very kind and explain to me everything
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was wonderful and very understanding. He explained my illness and I was very relieved.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Doctor Fernandez is a A-1 Doctor the best along with Doctor Dupan
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Fernandez carefully watches my kidney condition and takes all possible steps and prescribes any drugs to delay deteriation
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Evident that he had reviewed my chart prior to seeing me. Discussed previous visit in regards to my progress
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Seems to be very caring and efficient. Explains my questions about my medical issues.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Fernandez spent a considerable amount of time explaining to me about the medications I was taking. He is very professional and caring. He is a true asset to [omitted].
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He's the best kidney doctor i've ever had, and i am [omitted] and have had one since i was [omitted]. extremely informative, very patient and kind.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was very pleasant, very thorough and answered any questions I may have had.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Great doctor
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Felipe and staff are wonderful to work with!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Fernandez is extremely knowledgeable and caring
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He listens you and very compassanate
This patient rated the doctor 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Very high. The doctor took time to answer questions.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Fernandez del Castillo was so thorough in explaining everything and never made me feel rushed.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I felt that Dr. Fernandez was very knowledgeable and I felt very comfortable with him. I have already mentioned this to family and friends.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He is very personable. He ask and answer questions in a reasonable way you understand
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was very knowledged and explained my medical situation with full understanding
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
conscientious caring consultation
This patient rated the doctor 4 out of 5 stars.
Our interactions were satisfying
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Personable, friendly, knowledgeable and supportive
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was thorough
Offices and Locations
Worcester Medical Center
Video Profile
Overview
Specialties
Nephrology
Clinical Interests
Clinical Hypertension
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
Nephrology
Certified Hypertension Specialist
Education
Fellowship, Internship & Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center
Medical School: UMass Medical School
Insurance
Felipe Fernandez del Castillo's Featured Blogs
Can You Really Die from Drinking Too...
By Felipe Fernandez del Castillo, MD Division of Nephrology It’s true, in certain instances overhydration (also known as water...
Medical Minute: Managing High Blood...
Dr. Fernandez del Castillo discusses ways you can help manage hypertension. Lifestyle changes such as a health-conscious diet, exercise...