Compare 96 nephrologists in Cleveland, OH. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
96
Nephrologists
100%
Accepting patients
89%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Cleveland is, in many ways, a healthcare city first. Cleveland Clinic is one of the most recognized hospital brands in the world, and University Hospitals provides the academic counterweight. Together, they employ more people than any other industry in northeast Ohio and attract patients from around the globe for cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, and cancer care.
Cleveland has 96 nephrologists. The most common credential is MD (89%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and Lakewood (nearby).
Most major medical facilities cluster along the Euclid Avenue corridor from downtown through University Circle. Cleveland Clinic's main campus sits in the Fairfax neighborhood, while University Hospitals is just up the road in University Circle. MetroHealth serves the west side and safety-net populations. RTA's HealthLine bus rapid transit runs directly between the two hospital systems, making it one of the few cities where you can reach top-tier care by public transit.
Nearby hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Local training programs run through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland State University. Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the nation and is a global leader in cardiac care.
Medical Mutual of Ohio is the largest Ohio-based health insurer and has strong networks with both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the other major commercial carrier. Ohio Medicaid is managed through CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye Health Plan. Many Cleveland employers offer plan options specifically designed around Cleveland Clinic or UH networks. 68% 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.
Both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals use MyChart portals. If you are choosing between the two systems, consider which one your employer's insurance plan favors. Switching between them mid-treatment creates records gaps.
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+
Cleveland, OH has 96 licensed nephrologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of nephrologists in Cleveland, OH are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medical Mutual of Ohio and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are the dominant carriers. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals each have preferred relationships with different insurers, so check your plan's network before booking. Ohio Medicaid through CareSource and Molina is accepted at MetroHealth and most Clinic and UH locations.
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 Cleveland, OH 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.
The Cleveland healthcare market is essentially a two-system town: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. MetroHealth serves as the public safety-net hospital. Your insurance will likely steer you toward one system, so start there.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Cleveland, OH, 89% hold the MD credential and 5% hold DO. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
68% of nephrologists in Cleveland, OH 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.
For complex cardiac, transplant, and cancer cases, it genuinely is one of the best in the world. For routine primary care, you may find shorter wait times and more convenient locations through University Hospitals or independent practices.
For many specialties, yes. Cleveland Clinic allows self-referral for new patients, though your insurance may still require a referral from your primary care doctor for coverage purposes. Call their appointment line to verify.
Top accepted carriers in Cleveland, OH include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-17091, qhp-54192, and qhp-44228.
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.