Compare 38 nephrologists in Salt Lake City, UT. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
38
Nephrologists
100%
Accepting patients
82%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Salt Lake City sits at the intersection of two healthcare powerhouses: the University of Utah, a national leader in genetic research and precision medicine, and Intermountain Health, one of the most studied healthcare systems in the world for operational efficiency. Between them, the Wasatch Front has a depth of care that rivals metros three times its population.
Salt Lake City has 38 nephrologists. The most common credential is MD (82%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute occupy the foothills east of downtown, accessible via TRAX light rail and bus routes. Intermountain Medical Center, the system's largest facility, sits in Murray about 15 minutes south of downtown. Primary Children's Hospital is adjacent to the U of U campus. The Wasatch Front's north-south layout means most healthcare travel follows I-15 or I-215, and TRAX connects several key medical centers.
Providers practice throughout Salt Lake City. Sugar House is a walkable neighborhood with independent practices and proximity to the University of Utah medical campus. The Avenues is a historic hillside neighborhood near the University of Utah Hospital and Primary Children's Hospital. Downtown Salt Lake City is intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah clinics serve the urban core. Capitol Hill is a central neighborhood near both the U of U medical campus and LDS Hospital.
Nearby hospitals include University of Utah Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, nearby), and Primary Children's Hospital. Local training programs run through University of Utah School of Medicine and University of Utah. Intermountain Health, headquartered near Salt Lake City, is one of the most studied healthcare systems in the world for operational efficiency.
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.
New patient appointments with University of Utah or Intermountain primary care typically take one to three weeks. Both systems operate MyChart portals for scheduling and messaging. Bring your insurance card and any recent lab results.
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+
Salt Lake City, UT has 38 licensed nephrologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of nephrologists in Salt Lake City, UT are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
SelectHealth (Intermountain's insurance arm) is one of the largest carriers in Utah, alongside Regence BlueCross BlueShield, DMBA, and UnitedHealthcare. Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, and managed care runs through Molina and Healthy U. Both major health systems accept a broad range of plans.
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 Salt Lake City, UT 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.
University of Utah and Intermountain Health are the two dominant systems, and most specialists are affiliated with one or the other. Start by checking which system your insurance covers best. For rare or complex conditions, the University of Utah is the regional referral center. Intermountain covers a broader geographic footprint with clinics across the Wasatch Front.
74% of nephrologists in Salt Lake City, UT 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.
Some nephrologists in Salt Lake City, UT accept Utah Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers nephrology services and dialysis in all states. Coverage for newer CKD medications (SGLT2 inhibitors) varies by state formulary. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Utah Medicaid participation before scheduling.
University of Utah Health is the academic medical center, focused on research, complex cases, and subspecialty care. Intermountain Health is a large nonprofit system with hospitals and clinics across Utah and surrounding states, focused on operational efficiency and population health. Both are highly regarded, and many patients use both systems depending on their needs.
During temperature inversions, typically in January and February, the Salt Lake Valley can have some of the worst air quality in the country. Local physicians see increased visits for asthma, bronchitis, and COPD flare-ups during these periods. Patients with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality indexes and limit outdoor activity on red days.
Top accepted carriers in Salt Lake City, UT include unitedhealthcare, medicare, molina, qhp-63474, and qhp-42261.
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.