Your Nephrology Experts
Coachella Valley Nephrology is committed to compassionate, supportive care. The kidney health of every patient we see is important to us, and we want the care we provide to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We’re experts in kidney health, the treatment of kidney diseases, blood pressure management, and electrolyte disorders. Also, we serve as the medical directors and take care of patients at the Kidney Institutes.
Nephrologist = Kidney Specialist
It’s a common question we get—what is nephrology? It’s an internal medicine specialty focused on the functions of the kidneys. Doctors who specialize in nephrology—like our team here at Coachella Valley Nephrology—are experts in kidney health, the treatment of kidney diseases, blood pressure management, and electrolyte disorders. A nephrologist is different from a urologist who specializes in the urinary tract system including the bladder, prostate, and tumors of the kidneys.
Why Your Kidneys Are Vital
Kidneys cleanse the blood of toxins. When they don't work properly, those toxins, plus excess fluids, can build up in the body. As a result, a person experiencing kidney failure may have high blood pressure, headaches that don't seem to go away, swelling in certain areas of their body, and feel extremely tired. Kidneys perform vital functions. These functions include:
- Removal of waste products and drugs from the body
- Regulating the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content
- Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
- Producing hormones that promote strong, healthy bones
- Controlling the production of red blood cells
When Should You See a Nephrologist?
Most people don't go to a nephrologist without a referral from their primary care doctor. Typically, seeing a nephrologist means that you have kidney-related symptoms from an unknown cause or that you have health issues only a renal specialist knows how to treat. When may your primary care provider refer you to a nephrologist? If you have symptoms that indicate a possible problem with your kidneys, or for any of the following reasons:
- A large amount of blood or protein is found in your urine.
- You have recurring kidney stones.
- You have high blood pressure that isn't improving even though you're taking medication.
- You have a medical condition that increases your risk of kidney problems (such as diabetes or a heart condition).
Conditions a Nephrologist Treats
Kidneys perform vital functions, and a nephrologist can treat you for conditions such as:
- Blood or Protein In Your Urine
- Recurrent Kidney Stones
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Electrolyte and Mineral Imbalances
- Kidney Transplant Follow-Up Care
What Procedures a Nephrologist Performs
Nephrologists help detect and diagnose kidney problems by performing blood and urine tests, imaging testing (i.e., ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays), and biopsies. They're also involved in patient care and treatment, including hemodialysis, and are a vital member of a kidney transplant team.
Our Treatment Team
What Our Patients Say
The institute is very good in the care and attention they give. Blessings to the nurses and technicians.
I had a very good experience at the clinic in Rancho Mirage and also Indio. Good team effort!
New Patient Resources
Fill out our forms before your visit. That way, we’re ready to begin your care when you arrive.
Nutrition
Our nutritionists can help you develop a kidney- friendly diet. Plans are tailored to each patient.
Travel
Home dialysis options have made it possible for patients to travel safely and continue treatment.
We’re Here for You.
Our goal is to build a relationship with each patient and develop individual treatment plans. Let’s get in touch today.
Dr. Naren Chandrashekar has been providing care to patients in the Coachella Valley since 2002. He serves as medical director of the La Quinta Kidney Center and the Kidney Institute at Eisenhower Medical Center.
He’s an active member of both Eisenhower Medical Center and John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Dr. Chandrashekar has also served in multiple physician leadership roles on the Medical Executive Committee at Eisenhower Medical Center and as the center’s former Chief of Nephrology. He’s board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Nephrology.
For his medical education, Dr. Chandrashekar first attended UCLA, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Cybernetics. Then he moved to Boston, MA, where he attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine. Finally, he trained at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center / Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he completed his residency and fellowship in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He also served as the Chief Fellow in the hospital’s Nephrology Department.
In 2002, Dr. Chandrashekar returned to the Coachella Valley, where he provides the highest quality care in his consultative practice at Coachella Valley Nephrology. His expertise in nephrology includes chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplants, hypertension, and assisting patients with kidney stone prevention.
Dr. Chandrashekar has been a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Eisenhower Health since 2010. Beginning in January 2022, he will be serving as the president of the medical staff.
Dr. Chandrashekar grew up around the world. He lived in India, Ireland, and Canada before settling in the Coachella Valley. He enjoys helping his wife raise their two children, exercising, training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and skiing.
Dr. Jambur Chandrashekar began his medical practice in the Coachella Valley in 1979. He is one of the founding members of the Kidney Institute of the Desert in Indio, Kidney Institute at Eisenhower Medical Center, La Quinta Kidney Center, and the Coachella Kidney Institute.
He’s been on the medical staff of Eisenhower Medical Center and John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital since he began his practice. In addition, he has held various medical staff leadership positions at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, including Chief of Medical Staff and Chairman of the Governing Board.
Dr. J. Chandrashekar received his medical degree in India and subsequently underwent further internal medicine and nephrology training in Ireland and Canada. He had the privilege of training under Dr. Henry Gault, a pioneer in nephrology at the Memorial University of Newfoundland Medical Center. He’s board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology from the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He’s also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
In 2002, Dr. J. Chandrashekar’s son, Dr. Naren Chandrashekar, partnered to form Coachella Valley Nephrology, where he provides consultative care for chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplants, and hypertension management.
Dr. Mumtaz joined Coachella Valley Nephrology in July 2018. He started his clinical nephrology career as a consultant nephrologist in upstate New York and was a medical director for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs. Later, he practiced internal medicine and nephrology in Virginia, North Carolina, Idaho, Washington state, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Dr. Mumtaz grew up in Africa and the Middle East and attended Rawalpindi Medical College - the University of Punjab in Pakistan. He received internal medicine residency training at Mercy Catholic Medical Center – Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also served as a chief medical resident, followed by nephrology fellowship training at Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Mumtaz's practice includes all aspects of clinical nephrology - acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, glomerular diseases, and kidney transplants.
