Nephrology specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney disease and disorders in newborns to adults. Nephrologists provide leading kidney care and therapeutic services, including kidney dialysis and transplants. Conditions we treat often include: sudden loss of renal (kidney) function, blood in the urine, loss of protein in the urine, kidney stones, chronic urinary tract infections and hypertension (high blood pressure). We coordinate care with primary care providers and provide on-going clinical support.

When to See a Nephrologist

If your provider thinks you may have kidney disease, you’ll be referred to a nephrologist. Every patient experiences different kidney disease symptoms, but common symptoms include blood in the urine, pain in the lower back, loss of appetite, fatigue and more. Some kidney disease patients have no symptoms.

Nephrologists specialize in kidney care and treat patients with kidney diseases or with conditions that affect their kidney function. Sanford Health’s nephrologists work with other specialists and your primary care provider to coordinate your care.

Your nephrologist will use one of these tests to diagnose kidney disease:

• Blood tests: These tests identify the amount of waste products in the blood.
• Kidney biopsy: Nephrologists will take a sample of kidney tissue and test it for common kidney problems.
• Kidney ultrasounds: An imaging test using sound waves instead of radiation to check kidney size and functionality.
• Urine tests: Tests for abnormalities in a urine sample.

It’s important to diagnose renal diseases early and start treatment as soon as possible. Kidneys can’t repair damage on their own. Nephrologists work to identify these diseases early and provide treatments to protect your organs from further damage.