A nephrologist works with patients dealing with kidney problems and kidney disease. When first seeing a patient, nephrologists order a series of tests to determine an accurate diagnosis, such as checking patient’s blood urine nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine ratio to ensure their kidneys are functioning correctly. Creatinine is a waste product made by muscles. The kidneys clean the blood, so a high level of creatinine indicates low kidney function.
After analyzing the results, nephrologists create a treatment plan. For example, they may prescribe medication to control high blood pressure and suggest eating and lifestyle changes to protect kidney function. For patients with advanced kidney disease, nephrologists may require the patient to start dialysis several days a week. Patients who need surgery, such as those diagnosed with kidney cancer, may be referred to an oncologist or urologist for further treatment options.