Artículo
Your kidney care team
Learn more about the members of your kidney care team, what they do, and how they can best support you.
- Revisión médica de
- Shahzia Lakhani
- Última actualización
- January 13, 2026
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) care usually involves a team of professionals who work together to manage your health, slow disease progression and support your quality of life. Your care team is made up of different healthcare providers who work together to provide multidisciplinary care. Members of your care team may change depending on your stage of kidney disease, whether you are on dialysis, preparing for a transplant, have a rare kidney disease or if you don't know the cause of your kidney damage.
As your kidney care needs change, the care team you see most often may change too. Early on, your visits focus on your nephrologist, nurse and dietitian. Later, you may interact more with dialysis nurses, technicians, or other specialists, depending on your specific needs.
Kidney care team
These professionals help you navigate different parts of your treatment plan, explain what each step means for your health, and adjust your care as your needs change. You will see them regularly throughout your CKD journey.
Nephrologist
A nephrologist (kidney doctor) diagnoses and treats kidney disease, manages labs and medicines, and helps slow down kidney damage. You see them regularly for follow-ups and treatment updates. They also develop dialysis treatment plans and help refer you when you need a kidney transplant.
Primary care doctor
A primary care doctor (general practitioner) manages your overall health and checks for conditions that affect the kidneys, like high blood pressure and diabetes. You see them for regular checkups and when new symptoms start. They can catch problems early and keep all parts of your care connected.
Advanced Practice Practitioner (Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant)
These practitioners work closely with your nephrologist. They can perform exams, order tests, prescribe medicines and help explain your treatment plan. You may see them for follow-up visits, questions about symptoms, or when your care plan needs updates.
Nephrology nurse
A nephrology nurse teaches you about kidney disease, monitors symptoms, and helps manage treatments like dialysis and coordinates with other care team members. You see them during clinic or dialysis visits.
Renal dietitian
A renal dietitian has specialized training in managing the nutrition needs of people with kidney disease. They explain which foods and drinks are best for you, which to limit and how much fluid and nutrients you need each day. You should see them when you are first diagnosed, when lab values change, or when you start treatments like dialysis or receive a kidney transplant. Learn more about kidney-friendly eating plans.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist helps with medicine management. They help to review your current and new medicines, adjust medicine dosing, and ensure medicine safety.
You may see them when starting a new medicine or managing many prescriptions. They often work closely with other care team members like the nephrologist, nurse and dietitian.
Social worker
A social worker has a master's degree in clinical social work and is licensed and certified to support you. A social worker can help with emotional support about kidney disease, insurance, transportation, and finding community resources. You may see them when you feel overwhelmed or need help with daily challenges. They matter because kidney disease affects more than the body, and support can make care easier.
Dialysis team
If you are starting or on dialysis you will continue to see several members of your care team in addition to team members that are specifically there to support you on dialysis. They guide you through training, help you understand your treatment options and make sure your dialysis care is safe and effective.
Dialysis technician
A patient care technician checks your weight, blood pressure, and monitors you during dialysis. You see them at every dialysis session. They help keep you safe and alert the care team if something changes.
Renal technologist
A renal technologist maintains and monitors dialysis machines and water systems. You see them in the dialysis center. Safe equipment is key for effective treatment.
Vascular surgeon
A vascular surgeon creates or repairs access for dialysis, such as a fistula (a connection between an artery and vein), a graft (a soft tube linking the two), or a catheter (a flexible tube placed in a large vein). You see them before starting hemodialysis or if your dialysis access site has problems. Learn more about members of dialysis care teams
Transplant team
These professionals help you prepare for a kidney transplant, stay informed during the evaluation process, and manage your health before and after surgery. They work closely with you and your other doctors to keep your transplant journey on track.
Transplant surgeon
A transplant surgeon performs kidney transplant surgery and monitors healing afterward. You see them when you are approved for transplant, before surgery and after surgery when you are recovering. They help you receive a new kidney and protect it during recovery.
Clinical transplant coordinator
A clinical transplant coordinator guides you through the transplant journey, including testing, education and scheduling for a transplant. They are licensed nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. You see them when getting evaluated, listed and preparing for surgery. They keep the process organized and make sure nothing is missed. If you have questions about evaluation, listing, or the transplant, ask your transplant coordinator.
Donor coordinator
A donor coordinator manages the entire organ donation process, acting as a link between donor families, the organ recipient, the medical team, and organ recovery services. They coordinate the initial organ referral to organ recovery, logistics for transport, and care. You will connect with them if you have a possible living or deceased donor. They help move the process forward as safely and quickly as possible.
Transplant Financial Coordinator
Transplant centers have financial coordinators to help facilitate insurance billing and answer questions you have about insurance coverage.
Specialists
These healthcare professionals step in when another part of your health needs care. They help manage conditions that can affect your kidneys or offer expertise when needed.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist treats diabetes and other conditions that affect the kidneys. You see them when your blood sugar is hard to control. Managing diabetes can slow kidney damage.
Cardiologists
A cardiologist or heart doctor treats heart problems, blood pressure, and fluid balance. You see them if you have high blood pressure or heart disease because heart and kidney health are closely linked.
Urologist
A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the urinary system. They treat kidney stones, blockages and urinary tract issues. You see them if you have pain, blood in your urine, or trouble urinating (peeing).
Rheumatologists
A rheumatologist treats autoimmune diseases that can affect the kidneys, like lupus. You see them when your immune system attacks the body.
Hematologists
A hematologist treats blood disorders like anemia. You see them if your red blood cell levels stay low. Healthy blood helps your body get oxygen and feel stronger.
Infectious disease doctors
An infectious disease doctor treats serious or repeated infections. You see them if you get infections during dialysis or after transplant.
Genetic counselor
A genetic counselor helps to understand if a kidney condition is genetic and can discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing. If kidney disease runs in your family or begins at a young age, the genetic counselor can assess risk for other family members, support treatment and transplant decisions, as well as serving as a bridge to get a diagnosis for your kidney disease. Learn more about genetic testing.
Mental health counselor/Therapist
A mental health counselor helps with stress, anxiety, and depression related to chronic illnesses. You may see them when your emotions feel heavy or coping is hard. Caring for your mind supports your overall health. Learn more about managing your mental health.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions and can prescribe medicines to manage them.
Other important care members
Palliative care specialist
A palliative care specialist helps manage pain, symptoms, and stress at any stage of kidney disease. You see them when treatment feels overwhelming or symptoms affect daily life. They focus on comfort and quality of life.
Be your own advocate You’re the most important part of your care team!
Staying involved in your care can lead to better outcomes. This page offers guidance on communicating with your care team and getting the support you need.