Nephrology
Transparent pricing for kidney care, dialysis evaluation, and transplant assessment
Nephrology is the specialty focused on transparent pricing for kidney care, dialysis evaluation, and transplant assessment. OpenDoc separates it into focused subspecialty paths so patients can start in the right care lane before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $75 to $4,500 across 14 common visit types. Nephrology on OpenDoc provides upfront cash pricing for kidney disease evaluation and management — a specialty where early intervention can delay or prevent dialysis. Over 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and most don't know it until late stages. Cash-pay nephrology evaluations starting at $200–$400 give patients direct access to kidney specialists without referral delays.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- Nephrology Evaluation (New Patient) — $200–$400: Nephrology Evaluation (New Patient) is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Nephrology Follow-Up Visit — $125–$250: Nephrology Follow-Up Visit is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Dialysis Access Evaluation — $175–$350: Dialysis Access Evaluation is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Kidney Biopsy (Percutaneous) — $2000–$4500: Kidney Biopsy (Percutaneous) is a procedure-oriented nephrology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- 24-Hour Urine Collection Review — $75–$200: 24-Hour Urine Collection Review is a diagnostic nephrology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Transplant Evaluation (Initial) — $300–$600: Transplant Evaluation (Initial) is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Transplant Follow-Up Visit — $175–$350: Transplant Follow-Up Visit is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Electrolyte Management Visit — $125–$250: Electrolyte Management Visit is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Hypertension Workup (Renal Causes) — $200–$400: Hypertension Workup (Renal Causes) is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Kidney Stone Metabolic Evaluation — $200–$400: Kidney Stone Metabolic Evaluation is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- CKD Education and Management Visit — $150–$300: CKD Education and Management Visit is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Living Donor Medical Evaluation — $300–$600: Living Donor Medical Evaluation is a common nephrology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nephrologist visit cost without insurance?
A new patient nephrology evaluation on OpenDoc costs $200–$400 and follow-up visits cost $125–$250. This covers a comprehensive kidney function review, medication adjustment, and care planning. Hospital-based nephrology visits billed through insurance can generate $500–$1,000+ charges before facility fees and lab work.
Do I need a referral to see a nephrologist?
No referral is needed on OpenDoc. If you have abnormal kidney labs (elevated creatinine, low GFR, proteinuria), uncontrolled blood pressure, or recurrent kidney stones, you can search for a nephrologist directly. Early nephrology intervention in CKD stages 1–3 can significantly slow disease progression.
What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?
Nephrologists are internal medicine physicians who manage the medical aspects of kidney disease — chronic kidney disease, electrolyte disorders, glomerulonephritis, and dialysis. Urologists are surgeons who manage structural and surgical kidney conditions — kidney stones, kidney cancer surgery, and urinary tract obstruction. Many kidney conditions benefit from both specialists.
How much does a kidney biopsy cost out of pocket?
A percutaneous kidney biopsy on OpenDoc costs $2,000–$4,500 cash-pay, which includes the procedure, ultrasound guidance, pathology processing, and interpretation. Hospital-based kidney biopsies can generate bills of $8,000–$15,000+ when facility fees, pathology, and observation charges are billed separately.
What is chronic kidney disease and what stage am I?
CKD is staged 1–5 based on your GFR (glomerular filtration rate). Stage 1 (GFR >90 with kidney damage markers) and Stage 2 (GFR 60–89) are early and often manageable. Stage 3 (GFR 30–59) requires active management. Stage 4 (GFR 15–29) involves pre-dialysis planning. Stage 5 (GFR <15) typically requires dialysis or transplant. A nephrologist evaluates your labs and determines your stage and management plan.
When should I start planning for dialysis?
Dialysis planning typically begins at CKD Stage 4 (GFR 15–29), well before dialysis is actually needed. This includes dialysis access creation (fistula or graft), modality education (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis vs. home dialysis), and transplant evaluation. Early planning improves outcomes — a mature fistula takes 2–3 months to develop.
Can a nephrologist help with kidney stones?
Yes. While urologists handle the procedural removal of kidney stones, nephrologists perform the metabolic evaluation to determine why you form stones and how to prevent recurrence. This involves 24-hour urine collection analysis, dietary counseling, and preventive medications. For recurrent stone formers, this metabolic workup can reduce future stone events by 50%+.
What is a transplant nephrology evaluation?
A transplant nephrology evaluation assesses whether you're a candidate for kidney transplantation. It includes a comprehensive medical review, cardiac clearance, cancer screening, immunological testing (antibody levels, blood typing), and psychosocial assessment. On OpenDoc, the initial evaluation costs $300–$600. This is the first step toward transplant listing at a certified transplant center.