Kidney Disease & Hypertension Program
What We Offer You for Kidney Disease & Hypertension Care
- We are a hypertension Center of Excellence treating all types of kidney problems, including diabetic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, interstitial kidney disease, and kidney stones. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options, including the latest medications, dialysis treatments, and kidney transplant procedures from world-renowned experts in organ transplantation. Go to Treatments
- Pioneering clinical trials that give eligible patients access to promising therapies available only at Stanford Medicine. Go to Clinical Trials
- Multispecialty team that works together to provide comprehensive care and effective treatments. Go to Your Care Team
- Ease of access to outstanding care at convenient locations, with support services and several dialysis centers across the Bay Area. Go to Connecting to Care
The kidneys are responsible for helping remove waste and excess fluid from your body. They filter toxins out of your blood so the waste can leave your body in the form of urine. Many health conditions and disorders can lead to kidney disease, which happens when your kidneys are damaged or do not work properly.
Our team has specialized expertise in treating kidney disease that occurs along with hypertension, also called renal hypertension. Over time, high blood pressure damages the blood vessels that supply blood to your kidneys. When the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged or weak, blood cannot flow as it should, and your kidneys aren’t able to filter toxins from your body. Untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.
We work together to treat all types of kidney diseases, including:
- Amyloidosis in the kidneys, which causes abnormal buildup of proteins in your tissues
- Diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease), in which diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels that damage your kidneys and potentially cause hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis, due to autoimmune disorders or other causes of inflammation of the kidneys
- Electrolyte disorders and electrolyte imbalances, an imbalance of minerals in your body that can result from kidney disease
- Kidney stones, which can cause pain and kidney damage if left untreated
- Lupus nephritis, inflammation of your kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease
- Nephrotic syndrome, which can stem from autoimmune diseases or other causes, causing leakage of protein from your kidneys
- Polycystic kidney disorder, a genetic disorder that causes clusters of cysts to develop in your kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and kidney failure
- Pyelonephritis, inflammation of your kidneys that results from a bacterial infection
When you come to Stanford Health Care, you receive comprehensive, customized kidney care and a treatment plan developed just for you. Treatment options vary depending on the type of kidney disease and other health conditions you have. They include:
Your care team will likely recommend diet and lifestyle changes to lower your risk of complications from kidney disease, especially if you also have high blood pressure. They may recommend:
- Eating a healthy diet and reducing the amount of salt or alcohol you consume
- Getting more exercise and physical activity
- Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing stress levels
- Quitting smoking, if you smoke
Your doctor may recommend medications to treat or manage symptoms or other health problems that can occur along with kidney disease. These drugs can also slow or prevent further damage to your kidneys. You may need drugs to lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, or help your kidneys get rid of extra waste. Talk to your doctor about the most appropriate medications for you.
If you have kidney failure, you may require dialysis to help your body get rid of waste. The type of dialysis and length of treatment depend on several factors, including your overall health and the extent of kidney disease.
Should you need a kidney transplant, our nephrology specialists lead the nation in kidney transplantation. We offer several types of kidney transplant procedures and use advanced technology, such as IVIG infusions, to help your body accept the new organ. Your care team will guide you through every step of the process and deliver comprehensive follow-up care and support.
Innovation Through Clinical Research
As a leading academic and research institution, we are always striving to find new techniques and apply the latest and best technology to your treatment. Our nephrology specialists work with each other and with teams across the nation to spark groundbreaking research. We are committed to bringing you clinical trials that test new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and manage kidney conditions. Participating in a trial may give you access to the latest therapies before they are widely available.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Your Circle of Care
A diagnosis of a kidney disease can disrupt your life. We are here to guide you through every challenge using our Circle of Care approach. You have a team supporting you and tailoring treatments to your needs. Together, we prioritize your overall health and give you renewed hope for a better quality of life.
At Stanford Health Care, our doctors work together to deliver the highest-quality care. As leaders in nephrology, we deliver customized treatments in a supportive environment.
Your Doctors
Nephrologists
Nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases of the kidneys. Their expertise also includes how kidney disease affects the rest of the body. Our nephrologists offer the latest treatments, including medications and dialysis. Some nephrologists also perform kidney transplants.
View All {0} Nephrologists »Advanced Practice Provider
Advanced practice providers (APPs) include nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These skilled providers specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney disease. They see you independently and occasionally alongside your doctor. APPs can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
View All Advanced Practice Providers »Extended Care Team
Nurses and Nurse Coordinators Nurses
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses (RNs) who coordinate with your kidney disease care team. They guide you from your first contact with our clinic through follow-up care. RNs can also assist you in finding counseling, financial help, and other support services.
View All {0} Cancer Geneticists »Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinator: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and will guide you during your care journey.
- Patient Access Representative: Patient access representatives can answer your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Research coordinators help find candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials. Investigators at Stanford Health Care’s Kidney Disease & Hypertension Program strive to better understand, diagnose, and treat kidney disease through clinical trials.
View All {0} Rheumatologists »Support Services
Part of your kidney care involves managing your emotional and spiritual health. We offer support services for you and your loved ones that can help you stay strong throughout your treatment and recovery.
We strive to make access to care as simple as possible. We have a network of convenient locations across the Bay Area and a wide range of support services. User-friendly virtual health tools and video appointments help you stay connected with your care team from home. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. Our team guides you through each step, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Comprehensive kidney disease care is accessible and convenient at Stanford Health Care. Our scheduling staff can help coordinate your appointments. If needed, we’ll make sure you can see multiple providers during a single trip.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.