Kidney issues can be complex to deal with. You often need a diverse health care team—including nurses, dietitians, technicians and other specialists—to manage your condition. Leading this team is a nephrologist—a doctor who specializes in kidneys. To specialize in nephrology, physicians must take advanced training beyond their four-year medical degree. That may include:

• Three years of an approved residency program.
• A two-year fellowship in nephrology.
• Board certification.

Some nephrologists are pediatricians who work with children’s kidney issues. They may need to have three to four years of pediatric training after their residency.

What does a nephrologist do?

Nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. To do so, they often wear many hats. For instance, they:

• Interpret lab and imaging test results.
• Oversee dialysis treatments.
• Perform biopsies on the kidneys.
• Manage blood pressure changes.
• Assist with kidney transplant surgery.
• Provide follow-up care after a transplant.
• Prevent, manage and treat kidney stones, masses and infections.

But wait, there’s more!

Nephrologists don’t just work on kidneys. They can help with many other conditions, too, like bladder issues or urinary tract problems. They even help with system-wide conditions like heart failure or inflamed blood vessels. Plus, before a kidney transplant, nephrologists help people manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Is a referral needed?

Usually, your primary care doctor will need to refer you to a nephrologist. They’ll do so if they suspect you have a kidney disorder or an issue caused by kidney dysfunction so that you can receive specialized diagnosis and care for your kidney-related problem. Think you may need to see a nephrologist? Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and whether specialty care is right for you.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Physicians; National Cancer Institute; National Kidney Foundation