Who’s Part of My Nephrology Care Team?
Depending on your condition and needs, your team may include experts from a variety of specialty areas, including:
- Advanced practitioner — Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have special training in treating kidney disease and collaborate with your nephrologist.
- Nephrologist — Also known as a kidney doctor, your nephrologist will lead your kidney care team. Nephrologists specialize in treating kidney disease, managing dialysis care, and providing treatment before and after kidney transplant.
- Nephrology nurse — Licensed, registered nurses who care for patients with kidney disease.
- Patient care technician — Works under the supervision of a nephrology nurse to administer and monitor dialysis treatment.
- Registered dietitian — Also known as renal dietitians, your registered dietitian can help you design and follow an eating plan that supports kidney health.
- Renal technologist or technician — Maintain dialysis machines and order dialysis supplies.
- Social worker — Provide counseling and support to help patients and families cope with a kidney disease diagnosis and make referrals for supportive services that address needs and enhance quality of life.
- Transplant coordinator — Registered nurses or physician assistants who manage the transplant process, including scheduling tests, appointments, and procedures, answering questions and educating patients before and after the transplant.
- Transplant surgeon — A surgical specialist who performs a kidney transplant.
Why Choose UPMC for Nephrology Care?
When you choose UPMC for nephrology care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class nephrology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of kidney diseases using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that slows the progression of your disease as much as possible and improves your quality of life.
- Multidisciplinary care — If you need advanced kidney treatment, we partner with special dialysis clinics, experts in supportive care, and kidney transplant surgeons.
