When Should You See a Nephrologist

Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Michael R. Wiederkehr explains when you might need to see a Nephrologist. Dr. Weiderkehr breaks down what a nephrologist does and which tests might indicate it’s time to see a kidney doctor.

What is a Nephrologist?
Nephrologists treat systemic conditions affecting kidneys, such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure) and electrolyte disturbances. They are experts in kidney care.

What is the difference between a Urologist and a Nephrologist?
Urologists and Nephrologists are sometimes confused with each other. Dr. Wiederkehr explains that this is because both doctors deal with the urogenital tract.
Nephrologists aren’t surgeons, but rather Internal Medicine sub specialists, Dr. Wiederkehr says. They are focused on kidney function.

Urologists see patients with kidney tumors, or kidney stones, as well as treat other male issues, such as prostate or erectile dysfunction. They may also help male or female patients who have bladder issues.

Why do I need to see a Nephrologist?
Primary care physicians run routine blood or urine tests. When these results return an abnormal number, it might mean that something is wrong with the kidneys. If this is the case, the primary care doctor refers the patient to a nephrologist.

Dr. Wiederkehr says sometimes there’s a reluctance by patients to see another doctor.

“But there's always a reason why the primary care physician feels that something needs to be seen by a specialist,” he says.
Do I have Kidney Disease if I’m referred to a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist referral does not always mean a kidney disease diagnosis is in your future, Dr. Wiederkehr says.

“Our main purpose is really to find out,” Dr. Wiederkehr says. “And if so, is it something that is more serious, or something that we can just manage periodically with some less close observation?”
Blood pressure, which is closely associated with the kidneys, may need to be regulated. You may also see a nephrologist if you have kidney stones. If this is the case, Dr. Wiederkehr says his goal is to prevent future kidney stone development.
“You may not have kidney disease, it may just be in relation to the kidneys,” Dr. Wiederkehr says.