Nephrologists are doctors who specialise in problems related to the kidneys. The nephrologist is the best person to go to for kidney disease diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, they are well-versed in how kidney disease can affect other parts of the body and guide patients regarding monitoring of disease and available treatment modalities.

Nephrologists treat diseases that affect the kidneys and their functionality, like kidney failure, protein leak disorders, and medical management of Kidney transplant. Urologists perform surgical interventions for kidney stones, urinary tract obstruction etc as and when required.

If your test results reveal a decline in kidney function, your doctor may refer you to a nephrologist. Your physician may also refer you to a nephrologist for seeking further treatment for kidney failure like dialysis and kidney transplant or if you have unusual presence blood or protein in your urine.

A nephrologist recommends blood and urine tests to see how well the kidneys are doing their job and how quickly body wastes are eliminated. Additionally, tests to detect if the kidneys are leaking an abnormal amount of protein, indicating kidney damage and tests to ascertain cause of kidney disease.

Nephrologists are not surgeons and typically do not perform surgical procedures. Nephrologist perform interventions like kidney biopsies, hemodialysis catheter insertions and medical evaluation, monitoring and treatment concerning Kidney transplants.