The kidneys make the hormone erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make blood.  In patients with kidney disease, there is less of this hormone produced.  Therefore, anemia or low blood count is commonly seen as kidney disease advances.  The nephrologist can provide a synthetic chemical similar to erythropoietin as an injection every 2 to 4 weeks in our office to help correct anemia caused by kidney disease.  We also routinely evaluate your iron stores, and provide IV iron if indicated, also in our office.