Compare 23 nephrologists in Des Moines, IA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
23
Nephrologists
100%
Accepting patients
74%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Des Moines has 23 nephrologists. The most common credential is MD (74%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including East Village, Downtown Des Moines, Sherman Hill, and Beaverdale.
Nearby hospitals include UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, and Broadlawns Medical Center. Local training programs run through Des Moines University and Drake University. Des Moines University is one of the premier osteopathic medical schools in the Midwest.
The most commonly accepted carriers among Des Moines nephrologists include medicare, unitedhealthcare, qhp-93078, and qhp-20305. 78% accept Medicare.
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.
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.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Kidney function panel: $50-200 · Dialysis: $250-500 per session · Kidney transplant: $250,000-400,000+
Des Moines, IA has 23 licensed nephrologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of nephrologists in Des Moines, IA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among nephrologists in Des Moines, IA include medicare, unitedhealthcare, qhp-93078, qhp-20305, and qhp-25896. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. A kidney function panel costs $50 to $200. Each dialysis session costs $250 to $500. A kidney transplant runs $250,000 to $400,000 or more. Actual costs in Des Moines, IA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Dialysis costs are largely covered by Medicare. For CKD patients not yet on dialysis, newer medications like SGLT2 inhibitors can slow progression but may require prior authorization. Ask about manufacturer assistance programs for expensive kidney medications.
Look for a board-certified provider who accepts your insurance and practices near you. Des Moines, IA has 23 nephrologists. Reading patient reviews and checking hospital affiliations can help narrow your choice. FindClarity lets you compare providers by credentials, insurance, and location.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Des Moines, IA, 74% hold the MD credential and 22% hold DO. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
78% of nephrologists in Des Moines, IA accept Medicare. Medicare covers dialysis for all patients with end-stage kidney disease, regardless of age. Medicare also covers kidney transplant evaluation and surgery. Monthly lab work is covered for dialysis patients. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Top accepted carriers in Des Moines, IA include medicare, unitedhealthcare, qhp-93078, qhp-20305, and qhp-25896.
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.