Specialty2 min read

Nephrology

Detail level

A nephrologist treats people with kidney problems or related conditions, including high blood pressure.

The NIDDK dictionary defines the specialist as a doctor who treats people with kidney problems or related conditions, including hypertension; MedlinePlus describes them as treating kidney disorders. On this site, the pages on chronic kidney disease and kidney stones are linked to it.

The kidneys are linked to diabetes and blood pressure in the site's pages; for this reason these relationships appear on the chronic kidney disease page. ABMS classifies nephrology as a subspecialty certificate within internal medicine. This page does not specify when a specialist is needed for each patient.

In one minute¹²³

What is it?: A specialty in kidney diseases and related conditions.
Who is usually affected?: People with kidney disease, stones or kidney-related hypertension.
Acute or chronic?: Long-term follow-up in chronic diseases.
Main symptoms: Swelling, reduced urine, fatigue, change in urine colour (depending on the condition).
Red flags?: Not directly applicable; see the disease pages.
Preventable?: Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar according to the plan.

What is it?

Nephrologist: "a doctor who treats people with kidney problems or related conditions, including hypertension" (NIDDK).

Conditions it covers

The conditions linked to it on this site: chronic kidney disease and kidney stones. The related organ: the kidneys and the urinary system.

When to see one

Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). ABMS regards nephrology as a subspecialty certificate within internal medicine.

Common questions

Is hypertension within the remit of the nephrologist?

The NIDDK definition includes hypertension among the kidney-related conditions treated by the nephrologist; this does not mean that everyone with hypertension needs a referral.¹

Questions for your doctor

Do I need a referral to a nephrologist?
Which kidney tests suit me?
How do diabetes and blood pressure affect my kidneys?

References

1
NIDDK. Nephrologist — Dictionary definition. www.niddk.nih.gov/dictionary/n/nephrologist
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
2
MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
3
American Board of Medical Specialties. Specialty and Subspecialty Certificates. www.abms.org/member-boards/specialty-subspecialty-certificates/
Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06

Review status: Edited content · Last updated: 2026-10-06

Change log

2026-10-06 — Page created.

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

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