What is a nephrologist?
If you’ve been referred to a nephrologist, you may be wondering what they do and how they’re different from other doctors. Here’s a clear explanation.
What is a nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the care of the kidneys. After training in internal medicine, nephrologists complete additional years of specialized training focused on kidney health, fluid and mineral balance, and high blood pressure. They diagnose kidney problems, find the cause, and build a plan to protect your kidney function.
What do nephrologists treat?
Nephrologists care for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic kidney disease at every stage
- High blood pressure, especially when it’s hard to control or linked to the kidneys
- Protein or blood in the urine
- Diseases of the kidney’s filters (glomerular diseases)
- Imbalances in body chemistry, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and acid levels
- Kidney stones and inherited kidney conditions
- Advanced kidney disease, including planning for dialysis or transplant
What a nephrologist is, and isn’t
People often get this confused: nephrologists are not surgeons. They manage the medical side of kidney care. The surgical parts, placing a transplanted kidney, or creating the access needed for dialysis, are handled by transplant or vascular surgeons, who work alongside your nephrologist as a team. (Nephrologists are also different from urologists, who are surgeons focused on the urinary tract, bladder, and prostate.)
What to expect at a visit
At your first appointment, the nephrologist will review your history, labs, and medications, may order additional blood and urine tests, and will explain what’s happening with your kidneys in plain language. From there, you’ll work together on a plan, controlling blood pressure, adjusting medications, protecting kidney function, and monitoring the trend over time. Seeing a nephrologist early, before problems advance, gives you the best chance to keep your kidneys healthy for as long as possible.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Talk with your doctor or nephrologist about your specific situation.