Transplant Nephrologist

Short Description

A transplant nephrologist is the kidney specialist who leads your medical work-up before surgery. They review tests, confirm that transplant is safe, and tune your plan alongside the rest of the team.

Main Priorities

• Review labs, heart/lung testing, and infection screening for surgical readiness.
• Explain benefits/risks and how your risks will be reduced.
• Coordinate timing with dialysis (if applicable) and other specialists.
• Optimize blood pressure, diabetes control, anemia, and bone/mineral balance.
• Plan vaccinations and medication adjustments before surgery.

Issues They Work With

• Abnormal labs (electrolytes, creatinine trends) and what to repeat or confirm.
• Heart or lung findings that may need more testing before clearance.
• Infection risks that must be treated or ruled out prior to surgery.
• Questions about matching, crossmatch results, and what they mean for you.

When to Go to Them

• During the evaluation visits and any time your health changes (ER visit, new infection, hospitalization).
• If you have new symptoms (fever, chest pain, shortness of breath) or big BP/weight swings.
• To review what’s still pending for clearance and how close you are to “ready.”

What They Don’t Handle (Boundaries)

• Insurance approvals and cost estimates — handled by the financial coordinator.
• Scheduling tests and logistics — coordinated by the transplant coordinator.
• Surgical approach and incision details — explained by the transplant surgeon.