17,752
Nephrologists
100%
Accepting patients
84%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 17,752 nephrologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (84%). 77% accept Medicare.
Nephrologists specialize in kidney diseases and conditions that affect kidney function. They manage chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure related to kidney function, kidney stones requiring medical management, and complications of dialysis and kidney transplants.
After medical school, nephrologists complete a three-year internal medicine residency followed by a two-year nephrology fellowship. Their training covers the complex physiology of the kidneys, which filter blood, regulate fluid balance, control blood pressure, and manage electrolyte and acid-base balance. When kidneys fail, nephrologists manage dialysis and coordinate transplant evaluation.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects roughly 37 million Americans, but most do not know they have it because early stages produce no symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, significant kidney function has already been lost. Routine blood and urine tests can catch CKD early, when treatment is most effective at slowing progression.
See a nephrologist if your PCP identifies declining kidney function (elevated creatinine, low GFR), protein in your urine, difficult-to-control high blood pressure despite multiple medications, recurrent kidney stones, electrolyte abnormalities, or if you are approaching the need for dialysis. Your primary care doctor will typically refer you when kidney function drops below a certain threshold.
The first visit includes a thorough review of your kidney function labs (creatinine, GFR, urinalysis), blood pressure readings, medications, and medical history. The nephrologist will assess the cause and stage of kidney disease and develop a management plan focused on slowing progression. This often involves medication adjustments, dietary changes, and monitoring. If dialysis is likely in the future, they will discuss access planning and options well in advance.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Kidney function panel: $50-200 · Dialysis: $250-500 per session · Kidney transplant: $250,000-400,000+
Nephrologists are medical specialists who treat kidney diseases with medication and manage dialysis. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat structural problems of the urinary tract and perform surgeries. For kidney stones, a nephrologist manages the medical side (prevention, metabolic evaluation), while a urologist performs surgical removal when needed. For chronic kidney disease, the nephrologist is your primary specialist.
Early-stage CKD can sometimes be stabilized or partially improved by treating the underlying cause (controlling diabetes and blood pressure, stopping kidney-toxic medications). Once significant scarring has occurred, lost function cannot be restored. The goal shifts to slowing further decline and managing complications. Medications like SGLT2 inhibitors have shown meaningful ability to slow CKD progression.
Kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) is managed with dialysis or kidney transplant. Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically three times per week at a dialysis center. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood and can be done at home. Kidney transplant, when available, offers the best long-term outcomes and quality of life.
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Nephrology visits are covered as specialist visits. Medicare covers dialysis for all patients with end-stage kidney disease regardless of age. Dialysis and transplant are among the most expensive treatments in medicine. If you are approaching dialysis, your nephrologist's office can help navigate insurance and disability benefits. Medications for CKD, especially newer ones like SGLT2 inhibitors, may require prior authorization.