Nephrology

The UCLA Health Division of Nephrology leads the nation in groundbreaking research and innovative treatments for all types of kidney conditions.

Doctor showing a kidney on a tablet closeup
Illustration of kidneys

Why choose UCLA Health for kidney care?

As recognized leaders in nephrology services, our experts help children and adults with a variety of kidney conditions. You’ll benefit from our vast experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating kidney disease and preserving kidney function. Highlights of our services include:

National recognition: UCLA Health Nephrology is No. 1 on the West Coast and No. 3 in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. We’re proud to lead the nation in advanced diagnostics, world-class care, and effective treatments and world-class care for all types of kidney disease. You’ll receive outstanding, comprehensive care from top experts dedicated to your well-being.

Collaborative care: UCLA nephrologists work with specialists across departments to deliver accurate diagnoses, effective treatments and comprehensive care. For example, specialists from nephrology and urology work together to offer innovative treatments in our kidney stone center.

Groundbreaking research: Our experts pioneer new treatments through ongoing research and life-changing clinical trials. We build on science to develop advances in diagnostics and create new therapies, which means better outcomes for you. When you choose UCLA Health, you’ll have the expertise of a top medical center behind you.

Robust training: As an academic medical center, our experts train the next generation of nephrologists through two accredited fellowship programs. We’re proud to help shape the future of nephrology care.

Top Kidney Transplantation Program: With some of the best outcome rates in the country, our programs help children and adults with complex conditions. We are one of the longest-running kidney transplant programs in the country. We lead the nation in the number of transplants we perform every year.

Our areas of care

Through our comprehensive nephrology services, we focus on meeting your needs with patient-centered care and effective treatments. Our goal is to educate and empower you while helping you feel better and live your healthiest life.

Comprehensive dialysis program: We specialize in helping people with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our kidney specialists provide inpatient and outpatient dialysis. At our Santa Monica outpatient clinic and Century City dialysis unit, we offer you convenient, streamlined access to dialysis services.

Fabry Disease Program: Our team includes specialists from pediatrics, genetics, pain management, cardiology, and psychiatry. We work together to help children and adults with Fabry disease. We specialize in providing education, support and innovative treatments that improve quality of life and overall health.

Kidney Health Program: Our expertise in research, evaluation and treatment enables us to offer effective care for a range of kidney issues. We preserve and improve kidney function with traditional treatments, such as dialysis, and advanced therapies.  

Kidney Transplant Program: As one of the most successful kidney transplant programs in the country, we are a major referral center for pediatric and adult kidney transplants. Our outcomes are consistently higher than the national average. Through our Connie Frank Kidney Transplant Center, we deliver seamless, 24/7 care to people who need transplants.

Patient support and education: Through our CORE Kidney Health Program, we help you manage your kidney health. We offer diet and lifestyle changes, education, and integrative medicine. In one of our many support groups, you can share your experiences with others and gain inspiration from people with a range of nephrology conditions.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Program: We collaborate with specialists across many departments to deliver well-rounded, expert care. Our team offers a range of services and treatments. These include everything from genetic testing and dietary counseling to hemodialysis and advanced surgical treatments.

Kidney conditions we treat

Our nephrology experts treat the full spectrum of kidney conditions, disorders, and diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (renal disease): Kidney disease happens when your kidneys cannot filter waste from your blood. This can result from many different conditions, including type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, untreated high blood pressure and recurring kidney infections. Untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.

Alport syndrome: This genetic disorder causes kidney disease, hearing loss and eye abnormalities.

Electrolyte imbalances: The kidneys maintain the balance of minerals in the body. These minerals, or electrolytes, include sodium, potassium, and calcium. When the kidneys don’t work like they should, electrolyte levels can get too high or dip too low. This imbalance can lead to fatigue, fast heartrate, vomiting and seizures.

Fabry’s disease: This inherited disorder causes a range of symptoms, including kidney problems, chronic pain, vision changes and heart damage.

Glomerulonephritis: This condition happens when the filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, become inflamed and damaged. Several conditions can cause glomerulonephritis, including lupus and some infections.

Kidney stones: Hard deposits of minerals and salts can clump together in the kidneys, leading to severe pain. Kidney stones can result from dehydration, obesity, unhealthy diet, and certain medications.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): An inherited condition that causes fluid-filled bumps (cysts) to grow on the kidneys.

Kidney disease treatments we offer

We specialize in a range of treatments for all types of kidney disease. UCLA nephrologists combine effective therapies with healthy habits and lifestyle changes to help you feel your best.

Dialysis: We offer inpatient and outpatient dialysis at several locations. During hemodialysis, a special machine removes and filters waste from your blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood while it’s in your body. We also offer continuous renal replacement therapy, a 24-hour dialysis that continuously filters the blood.

Diet and lifestyle changes: Through education, nutritional counseling and support, our nephrology experts and dietitians help you make smarter choices. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to take control of your health.

Medications: Our specialists work with you to manage kidney problems with several types of medications. These may include vitamins, supplements, or drugs to treat high blood pressure. If you have kidney stones, you may need drugs to help you pass the stones.

Minimally invasive treatments: We specialize in several procedures to break up or remove kidney stones. These procedures use small incisions or nonsurgical shock wave technology, which results in a shorter recovery time.  

Kidney transplant: Our nationally recognized kidney transplant program offers several options for children and adults who need a kidney transplant. Through our Kidney Exchange Program, we offer kidney swap, kidney chain and kidney voucher options.

Our team of experts

Our nephrology specialists are leaders in research and treatments for all types of kidney disease. With years of expertise, our team delivers world-class care.

Contact us

Call 310-825-2631 to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist at UCLA Health.

Find your care

As leaders in nephrology, our experts are here to deliver exceptional care. Call 310-206-6741 to schedule an appointment.