Dr. Penny Elizabeth DeFranco, MD
Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) | Nephrology
5 Franklin Ave Suite 401 Belleville NJ, 07109About
Penny Elizabeth DeFranco, MD, is a board-certified nephrologist who is currently serving her patients at South Mountain Nephrology in Belleville, New Jersey. In addition, she is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Clara Maass Medical Center, and St. Barnabas Medical Center. Furthermore, she attributes her success to her love of the medical field, quality patient care and safety, helping her patients to lead happier and healthier lives, continuing education, making a difference, as well as teaching new medical students.
Dr. Penny Elizabeth DeFranco, MD's Videos
Education and Training
Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago Medical Degree 1985
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine - Nephrology
Provider Details
Dr. Penny Elizabeth DeFranco, MD's Expert Contributions
What should I do if my GFR is low?
Please provide me with more information.Your age, gender, serum creatinine level and GFR as noted on your labs.How do you feel?Are you eating ok, is your energy good are you able to get through your day? READ MORE
What are the treatment options for epididymitis?
You should refer that to a urologist. READ MORE
Can COVID infection cause kidney damage 2 months after?
Unfortunately yes. the kidneys can be affected by COVID. READ MORE
What lab tests indicate a kidney infection?
You need a urinalysis, urine culture, and sensitivity. These are from urine samples. A complete blood count would be helpful also. If the examining physician has a strong suspicion of kidney infection (pain, fever, chills, nausea), they may order a CT scan also. If you think you have an infection, drink lots of water until you get evaluated. But do go get evaluated. Good luck and feel better. READ MORE
What causes a bladder infection?
Are you male or female? Common causes include not enough water intake daily. READ MORE
Is it normal to even have a trace of blood in urine?
In females, it is common to see blood in the urine around their periods. Hydrate and repeat the urinalysis between your periods. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineProfessional Memberships
- American Medical Women's Association
- American Society of Nephrology
Fellowships
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine Nephrology 1995
Internships
- St. Luke\'s Hospital
Fellowships
- Saint Louis University
Professional Society Memberships
- American Society of Nephrology, American Medical Women\'s Association
What do you attribute your success to?
- Love of the medical field, quality patient care and safety, helping her patients lead happier and healthier lives, continuing education, making a difference, teaching new medical students
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Get to know Nephrologist Dr. Penny Elizabeth DeFranco, who serves patients in Belleville, New Jersey.
Dr. DeFranco is a board-certified nephrologist who is currently serving patients at South Mountain Nephrology in Belleville, New Jersey. She is also affiliated with several medical centers in the area, including Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Clara Maass Medical Center, and St. Barnabas Medical Center.
Dr. DeFranco earned her medical degree from the Santiago University of Technology in 1985. She then went on to complete her internship and residency at St Luke’s Hospital, followed by her fellowship in nephrology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1995.
Dr. DeFranco is board-certified in nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. In addition to English, Dr. DeFranco speaks Russian and Spanish.
Nephrology is a specialty of medicine and pediatrics that concerns itself with the kidneys, including the study of normal kidney function and kidney disease, the preservation of kidney health, and the treatment of kidney disease, from diet and medication to renal replacement therapy. A nephrologist, like Dr. DeFranco, is also called a kidney doctor. They commonly treat chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure. They are also educated on all aspects of kidney transplantation and dialysis.
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