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 anephrologist 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.