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See All Nephrology in Denver, Colorado

Find and Book Nephrologists Near Me in Denver, CO

There are 138 Nephrologists in Denver, CO and 41% of those with reviews are rated 4-star or higher. Some of the most common clinical focuses include Nephrological Conditions and Glomerulonephritis & Nephropathy. Popular hospitals in the area include UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center and North Suburban Medical Center.
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138 Results for Nephrology near Denver, CO
Photo: Dr. Troy Zabel, MD

Dr. Troy Zabel, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (5)
Accepting new patients
18 years of experience
Offers telehealth

LGBTQ+ affirming

Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
Phone Icon (303) 997-0853
On staff at Swedish Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Michael Shomaker, MD

Dr. Michael Shomaker, MD

Nephrology
3.3 (7)
Accepting new patients
19 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
Phone Icon (303) 997-0853
On staff at Swedish Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Srividya Bhandaram, MD

Dr. Srividya Bhandaram, MD

Nephrology
0
Accepting new patients
17 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
Phone Icon (303) 997-0853
On staff at Swedish Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Jeffery Sirota, MD

Dr. Jeffery Sirota, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (3)
Accepting new patients
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3693
On staff at Sky Ridge Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Troy Zabel, MD

Dr. Troy Zabel, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (5)
Accepting new patients
18 years of experience
Offers telehealth

LGBTQ+ affirming

Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3519
On staff at Swedish Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Ashley Pyle, MD

Dr. Ashley Pyle, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (1)
Accepting new patients
12 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3722
On staff at Sky Ridge Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Yolanda Bogaert, MD

Dr. Yolanda Bogaert, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (2)
Accepting new patients
23 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3883
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Harmeet Singh, MD

Dr. Harmeet Singh, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (26)
Accepting new patients
35 years of experience
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 743-7630
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Clancy Howard, MD

Dr. Clancy Howard, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (1)
Accepting new patients
19 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 743-7815
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Galo Garces, MD

Dr. Galo Garces, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (2)
Accepting new patients
19 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3796
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Jitendar Rao, MD

Dr. Jitendar Rao, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (1)
Accepting new patients
21 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3741
On staff at The Medical Center of Aurora
Photo: Dr. Joseph Abdallah, MD

Dr. Joseph Abdallah, MD

Nephrology
4.6 (11)
Accepting new patients
29 years of experience
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 706-0520
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Geraldine Corrigan, MD

Dr. Geraldine Corrigan, MD

Nephrology
4.7 (23)
Accepting new patients
20 years of experience
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3564
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Rajesh Yalavarthy, MD

Dr. Rajesh Yalavarthy, MD

Nephrology
4.4 (14)
Accepting new patients
16 years of experience
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(303) 963-0714
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Paul Sakiewicz, MD

Dr. Paul Sakiewicz, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (1)
Accepting new patients
26 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(303) 963-0360
On staff at The Medical Center of Aurora
Photo: Dr. Britt Newsome, MD

Dr. Britt Newsome, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (3)
Accepting new patients
20 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3873
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Daniel Andreoli, MD

Dr. Daniel Andreoli, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (2)
Accepting new patients
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3649
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Michael Shomaker, MD

Dr. Michael Shomaker, MD

Nephrology
3.3 (7)
Accepting new patients
19 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 743-7273
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Stuart Senkfor, MD

Dr. Stuart Senkfor, MD

Nephrology
3.5 (2)
Accepting new patients
31 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3575
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Gregory Proctor, MD

Dr. Gregory Proctor, MD

Nephrology
5.0 (1)
Accepting new patients
17 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 764-6268
On staff at The Medical Center of Aurora
Photo: Dr. Cortney Bosworth, MD

Dr. Cortney Bosworth, MD

Nephrology
4.0 (4)
Accepting new patients
12 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3497
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Srividya Bhandaram, MD

Dr. Srividya Bhandaram, MD

Nephrology
0
Accepting new patients
17 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 821-3833
On staff at Sky Ridge Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Adolfo Villar, MD

Dr. Adolfo Villar, MD

Nephrology
3.7 (3)
Accepting new patients
29 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3514
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Kaveh Kian, MD

Dr. Kaveh Kian, MD

Nephrology
0
Accepting new patients
18 years of experience
1.6 mi
Tel: (720) 743-7839
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 743-7839
On staff at North Suburban Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Lisa Prince, MD

Dr. Lisa Prince, MD

Nephrology
0
Accepting new patients
14 years of experience
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(720) 918-3145
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
Photo: Dr. Shyam Parkhie, MD

Dr. Shyam Parkhie, MD

Nephrology
0
Accepting new patients
15 years of experience
Offers telehealth
Book an Appointment
Physicians participating in the referral service program have chosen to participate, are in good standing at our hospitals and have not paid a fee to participate. They are credentialed to perform the service you have requested and are accepting new patients. They do not have a financial interest in another hospital or facility in this area and are not employed by or have an ownership interest in a competitive health care system. To ensure patients have a reasonable number of physician choices, the program includes physicians who may not have privileges at our hospital but have an office location in our hospital's primary service area or have been granted access to our hospital's clinical information systems. Physicians who are employed or engaged by an HCA affiliated physician practice or offering online appointment scheduling are referred first with others referred on a randomized basis to match your individual needs with consideration for the preferences you have expressed.
(303) 963-0872
On staff at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center

Healthcare at a Glance in Denver, CO

Denver frequently ranks as one of the healthiest cities in the nation. Denver Health, HealthONE, and Physician Health Partners are 3 health systems that serve Denver’s residents. Veterans in Denver can get care at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Center. Two free clinics that help the underserved in Denver include Inner City Health Center and DAWN Clinic.

Denver’s Top-Rated Facilities

For some of the best pediatric care in the nation, there’s Children’s Hospital Colorado, which ranks #7 in the U.S. News Best Children’s Hospital Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital Colorado also ranks nationally in 10 children’s specialties, including:

  • #4 in Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
  • #4 in Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology
  • #14 in Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery

U.S. News ranks UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital as #1 in Denver and Colorado. UCHealth is high performing in urology and ranks nationally in five adult specialties, including:

  • #2 in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
  • #11 in Rheumatology
4 Sources

Nephrology Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nephrologist?

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your kidney. Nephrologists are experts in kidney function who also study how kidney disease can harm other areas of your body.

Your kidneys are involved in several important bodily functions, including:

  • high-blood pressure management through the release of certain hormones
  • waste and excess fluid removal from your blood
  • mineral, water, and electrolyte balancing

What conditions do nephrologists treat?

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Nephrologists diagnose and treat several conditions that affect your kidneys. They also get involved when other health factors contribute to kidney disease and dysfunction, such as:

  • autoimmune diseases: a group of diseases where your immune system attacks your body
  • blood in urine: an indication that you may have an infection, kidney disease, or cancer
  • chronic kidney disease: the gradual and irreversible damage to your kidneys
  • diabetes: a disease that can damage your kidneys, nerves, and other organs
  • glomerulonephritis: a life threatening inflammation of your kidneys’ internal structures
  • heart disease: a group of serious diseases that includes hardening or clogged arteries, weakened muscles, and more
  • high blood pressure (HBP): blood pressure that increases to unhealthy levels and can cause damage to your kidneys and other organs
  • kidney cancer: a type of cancer that originates in or spreads to your kidneys
  • kidney failure: loss of kidney functionality, which allows toxins to build up in your blood
  • kidney stones: solid masses made of crystals form inside your kidneys and urinary tract
  • polycystic kidney disease: an inherited disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in your kidneys
  • renal artery stenosis: a narrowing of the arteries that provide blood to your kidneys
  • nephrotic syndrome: excess protein in the urine due to kidney damage

What procedures do nephrologists perform?

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Nephrologists will perform different procedures depending on the reason for your visit. For initial visits, your nephrologist may perform diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and urinalysis. Depending on your lab results, a nephrologist may also perform the following procedures:

  • imaging tests of your kidneys, including ultrasounds and X-rays
  • dialysis, which involves a machine that’s used to filter and purify your blood
  • renal biopsies, in which kidney tissue samples are taken for lab analysis
  • kidney transplant, which is a procedure that replaces failing kidneys with healthy ones

When should I contact a nephrologist?

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Usually, your primary care physician will refer you to a nephrologist when they suspect you have kidney-related symptoms that a specialist knows how to treat. Some of the most common reasons for a visit to a nephrologist include chronic urinary tract infections or recurring kidney stones. However, you may need to visit a nephrologist more often if you have:

  • a family history of kidney disease
  • chronic kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure

What can I expect from a nephrologist appointment?

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You can expect your nephrologist to conduct a standard physical exam during your first appointment. Then your nephrologist will ask questions about any medications you currently take and your family history.

Depending on your symptoms, your nephrologist may also recommend additional tests, such as a urinalysis. They will then discuss your treatment plan and go over recommended medications, lifestyle changes, and future appointments.

What questions should I ask my nephrologist?

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It’s important that you prepare for your appointment with your nephrologist. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of good questions to ask:

  • What were my lab results?
  • What caused my kidney issues or failure?
  • If my kidney condition is chronic, how long will it be before I require dialysis?
  • What type of dialysis do you recommend for my condition?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes I can make now to reduce my risk of kidney failure?
  • How long will my treatment plan take, or how long will it be ongoing?
  • Are there any medications and dietary changes you recommend I make?
  • Will I need a kidney transplant? If so, what are my options?
  • Will I eventually need dialysis?

You may use these questions as a starting point, but feel free to add your own. A good practice is to also ask for additional information and take notes during your appointment.