Nephrologists are specialists who diagnose and treat kidney-related conditions. They also offer guidance on improving kidney health and preventing diseases that can weaken the functioning of kidneys. If left untreated or undiagnosed, kidney problems can lead to chronic health conditions. So, it is important to consult nephrologists if one notices any signs of kidney problems. But, finding a reliable doctor nearby is the key to getting the care one requires. 

Tips for choosing a nephrologist
Kidneys are vital organs that can prevent toxin buildup and help maintain fluid and mineral balances in the body. So, maintaining good kidney health from an early age is important to keep the body hydrated and free from harmful substances. This is where nephrologists come in, helping one prevent and manage kidney problems. 

1. Seek referrals and recommendations
One should ask their primary physician to refer them to a nephrologist, especially if one is at a high risk for kidney-related disease based on genetics, family history, comorbidities, or lifestyle. Getting a referral is one of the easiest ways to find doctors in the area. Alternatively, one can seek recommendations from acquaintances, friends, and family members who have consulted a nephrologist in the past. It is easy to ask for a recommendation in person or via a message, social media posts, email, or phone call. One might even know what to expect from the doctor via such recommendations.

3. Use online resources
One can look for nephrologists online to find the top-rated doctors in the area. Then, one can shortlist doctors who seem to be the best options. One can begin by typing in “top nephrologists list” on a search engine or visiting an online database to find top doctors. Some platforms one can check are the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Physician Specialties, and the American Medical Association websites. One can also look if the doctor has undertaken some research to discover new treatment methods and has papers under their name.

4. Consider experience and expertise
Nephrology is a broad field, so doctors typically specialize in treating very specific conditions associated with the kidneys. So, if one notices known signs of kidney disease, it is important to find the right specialist who has some experience in managing the disease. One should carefully check the doctor’s specialization and the years of experience they have before making an appointment. A board certification is also worth considering. It indicates that a doctor has undergone strict training and cleared a comprehensive exam, making them qualified to offer healthcare services. So, one should utilize online resources to verify if the doctor has certification from a recognized board.

5. Check patient reviews
Many websites serve as physician directories, which assist one in finding the right nephrologists within their area. Some websites also allow one to verify the doctor’s certification. One can also narrow down their search for nephrologists by just selecting a specialty. One should also check if the doctors they are considering have any pending lawsuits against their name. If yes, one should consider avoiding them. Reviews can also share insights into a doctor’s attitude toward patients.

6. Consider hospital affiliation
Once one has shortlisted suitable nephrologists, they can check if the doctors are affiliated with hospitals that are part of one’s insurance provider network. Checking this will help one determine if the consultation and treatment (if any) will be covered under their health insurance or not.

7. Visit the facility
Visiting the nephrologist’s clinic or hospital in person can help one see if the facility has all the required equipment for diagnosing and treating kidney-related diseases. One may have narrowed down a good doctor, but if the facility or hospital does not have adequate facilities, one may be referred to another facility to get a test or procedure like dialysis done. Visiting the facility is also a good way to gauge the friendliness and efficiency of the staff and the waiting time before one can see the doctor. It is also a chance to gauge the doctor’s communication skills. Doctors should be supportive, comforting, and willing to answer all relevant questions of their patients. They are supposed to spend some time explaining the prognosis, side effects of treatment, and the costs involved. As many kidney diseases require long-term treatment, one must go for a doctor who is willing to listen and communicate.

Top nephrologists

• Dr. Kalok Edmund Tse has 30 years of experience treating chronic kidney disease and other sub-specialties like acute renal failure, chronic renal failure and dialysis, and hypertension. Dr. Tse has worked with some leading hospitals and has several books and journals to his credit.
• Dr. Danny Woo is one of the leading nephrologists in the country, having 46 years of experience. They have experience treating chronic kidney disease stage IV.
• Dr. Renee A. Ellis has over 25 years of experience and is one of the top-rated doctors when it comes to treating kidney diseases, including necrosis, end-stage renal disease, and chronic kidney disease.
• Dr. Lei Chen has 25 years of experience treating and managing kidney problems like high potassium levels, vitamin D deficiency, and metabolic acidosis.
• Dr. Raymond Raut has expertise in treating conditions like chronic kidney disease, congenital nephrotic syndrome, Feingold syndrome, and end-stage renal disease. He has 15 years of experience.