St. Luke’s Healthcare System offers the most extensive network of healthcare facilities to residents of Boise. St. Luke’s has a medical center, a children’s hospital, and a rehabilitation facility in the area, along with two urgent care clinics and an emergency services location. For veterans of Idaho, Boise VA Medical Center provides healthcare services and has five community-based outpatient clinics throughout the neighboring regions.
U.S. News ranks St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center as the #1 hospital in Boise and Idaho. St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center rates as high performing in geriatrics, pulmonology, and 19 procedures and conditions, including:
St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center ranks as the #2 hospital in Boise and Western Idaho. U.S. News rates St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center as high performing in eight adult procedures and conditions, including:
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:
What conditions do nephrologists treat?
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:
What procedures do nephrologists perform?
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:
When should I contact a nephrologist?
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:
What can I expect from a nephrologist appointment?
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?
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:
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.