For Nephrology Patients

If you need kidney care, the UPMC nephrology team can provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. Whether you have an acute or chronic condition, our nephrologists will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your care needs and reflects your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

Preparing for Your First Nephrology Visit

To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:

• Name, address, and contact phone number.
• Insurance information.
• Relevant medical records and test results.
• A referral, if required by your health insurance company.

If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.

On the day of your appointment, you should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. You should bring:

• A list of your medications.
• Completed new patient paperwork, if needed.
• Your health insurance card(s).
• Your photo ID.

What To Expect at Your Nephrology Visit

When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and perform an exam.

Your care team may:

• Order imaging or other tests to learn more about your condition.
• Schedule a procedure in the office or the hospital.
• Provide in-office care.
• Refer you to another care provider, such as a registered dietitian or a urologist.
• Provide instructions for managing your condition at home.
• Prescribe or recommend medication to help you manage your symptoms.

After our experts have your test results, health records, and exam information, they will diagnose your condition. They will also explain your treatment options based on how long you've had symptoms, your condition, and your health history.

Together, you and your health care provider will design and agree on a care plan.

After Your Visit

Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to check how your treatment is working. You should contact our office if:

• You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
• You have any other concerns about your condition.

Nephrology Co-Pays and Insurance

UPMC accepts many health insurance plans. If you have questions about your coverage, check with your plan. You are responsible for paying any noncovered charges.

If you have an insurance co-pay for office visits, you will be asked to pay it at the time of your visit.

Common forms of payment we accept are:

• Cash or check.
• MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
• Flexible spending cards.
• Health care savings account cards.
• Debit cards.