How to Find a Kidney Doctor

Kidney disease can exist for many years without symptoms, so by the time you notice signs of illness, your kidneys may be damaged. Damage to the kidneys will continue to progress and it can't be fixed, so the key is to slow the progression and deal with any underlying illnesses. However, if you have not been previously diagnosed with kidney disease, and if it's not an emergency, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Instructions

Finding a Kidney Doctor

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your family physician or internist. If you have a primary care physician, your first step is to discuss your concerns with him. He will assess your symptoms and medical history then order diagnostic tests if necessary to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis will determine whether your condition requires a specialist.

• 2

  Visit your local health department. This is a good start if you don't have a private physician. Local health departments offer a complete range of check-ups, diagnostic services and referrals to specialists if necessary.

• 3

  Target the right specialist. If you prefer to go directly to a kidney doctor rather than beginning with an internist or family physician, be sure you're searching for the right specialist--a nephrologist. Depending on the problem, you may need a urologist. Urologists specialize in the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. A urologist is involved if surgery is required.

• 4

  Call your local hospital. Many have a referral service for the physicians who have privileges to work in the hospital. They often can help narrow your search by very specific requirements, such as the type of insurance the doctor accepts and how close his office is to where you live. If your local hospital doesn't have a referral service, call the main phone number and ask the operator to connect you to the department that treats kidney disease or urinary system problems.

• 5

  Search online directories. The American Medical Association and the American Urological Association allow you to searchby location and medical specialty. MedlinePlus has a directory with links to organizations representing medical specialties. Their web site also has a section called "Go Local," search tool that takes you to a state directory where you can search for physicians by specialty and location.

• 6

  Locate the nearest dialysis center. The National Kidney Foundation and Medicare both offer tools on their websites.