Dr. Sanjay Gupta

A nephrologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats kidney disorders such as chronic kidney disease, acute renal failure, hypertension-related kidney disease, and patients who require dialysis or transplantation.

You should see a nephrologist if you have poorly controlled hypertension, swelling in your legs, persistent changes in urination, or abnormal kidney function tests. Patients with diabetes or hypertension are generally referred to nephrology for early evaluation of kidney diseases.

Nephrologists will likely order blood tests (creatinine, urea, electrolytes), urine tests, kidney ultrasound, renal biopsy, or imaging, depending on the problem. Each will evaluate kidney function and assess for underlying causes.

Nephrologists manage and treat both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, decide the frequency and type of dialysis, evaluate treatment for dialysis-related complications, and help manage vascular access procedures, such as placing a catheter or fistula.

Nephrologists evaluate patients for kidney transplants, optimize their medical condition before the transplant surgery, manage immunosuppressive medications after the transplant, and manage overall kidney function and disease for the long-term.

No, nephrologists also manage conditions that can impact kidney function including diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases (lupus), and electrolyte or fluid disorders in the body.