What does a nephrologist (kidney doctor) do?
A nephrologist is a doctor who treats kidney disease and related problems. They manage chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and kidney conditions caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find nephrologists (kidney doctors) near you
When people see one
- A blood or urine test shows reduced kidney function
- Protein or blood in your urine
- Kidney disease from diabetes or high blood pressure
- Your kidneys may be failing and you need to plan for dialysis or a transplant
How it differs
Urologist: A urologist treats the urinary tract and often does surgery, such as for kidney stones. A nephrologist treats how the kidneys work, usually with medicine.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? On some plans. 37 of the 148 2027 plans need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist: Kaiser Permanente's 29 plans (you may self-refer to certain specialists) and Denver Health (Elevate)'s 8 plans (self-referral allowed for OB-GYN and outpatient mental health care). The other 111 don't, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits. Confirm in the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Specialist Visit" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans; on the other 14, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $50 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 171 nephrologists (kidney doctors) at 80 Colorado locations.
- El Paso County: 13 locations
- Denver County: 11 locations
- Arapahoe County: 9 locations
- Douglas County: 8 locations
- Adams County: 7 locations
- Jefferson County: 6 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), Summit (1), Montezuma (1), La Plata (1), Chaffee (1). 46 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
- Which 2027 plans and network names do you take?
- How long is the wait for a new patient?
- If I need dialysis, which centers do you work with?