What is a Nephrologist?

Dallas Nephrology Associates staff

What is a Nephrologist?

At your office appointment, you will see a kidney doctor, also known as a nephrologist. A nephrologist is a kidney expert with advanced training in kidney care.

Nephrologists generally see patients who have been referred by their primary care physician (PCP) for problems related to the kidneys, high blood pressure or certain types of metabolic disorders.

A nephrologist treats systemic conditions affecting kidneys, such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure) and electrolyte disturbances. Nephrologists like those at Dallas Nephrology Associates are experts in kidney care.

Kidney doctors have special training that includes completion of medical school followed by a residency in internal medicine and then additional specialty training in nephrology.

What is nephrology?

Nephrology is kidney medicine and is a subspecialty of internal medicine. It is concerned with the diagnoses, treatment and management of kidney functions and renal (kidney) replacement therapy, such as dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Why do you need to see a nephrologist?

There are many potential reasons a primary care physician or another doctor may recommend you or a loved one to a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates. 

Internal medicine specialists and other physicians have some training in kidney function and care. Nephrologists, however, have the complete training and comprehensive, state-of-the-art capabilities to handle all renal disorders, including the most complex and serious.

At Dallas Nephrology Associates, doctors refer their patients to our specialists for many reasons, including:

What to expect at your first visit with a DNA Nephrologist? 

During your first visit, your DNA nephrologist will gather important information from you. Your nephrologist will review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam to determine how your kidneys are functioning. 

Your nephrologist will order blood and urine tests and a diagnostic imaging of your kidneys may also be required.

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For compassionate, state-of-the-art care for chronic kidney disease in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call Dallas Nephrology Associates at 877-654-3639, or contact us via our convenient online form.