Nephrology

We rely on our kidneys to filter harmful substances from our blood. When you have or are at risk for chronic kidney disease, you can rely on Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Our kidney doctors (nephrologists) deliver exceptional care that helps many people return to their daily lives and favorite activities.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease affects your kidneys’ ability to do their job. The condition gets worse over time and may cause your kidneys to stop working (kidney failure). If your kidneys fail, you need a kidney transplant to survive.

But taking medications and eating a healthy diet may keep your kidneys healthy for a long time. If these treatments aren’t successful, you may need dialysis. This treatment uses a machine to take over the work of your kidneys.

Nephrology services at AHN: Why choose us?

Our nephrologists combine personalized care with the latest kidney disease treatments to slow the progress of chronic kidney disease. This approach helps many people achieve excellent results.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Effective care: Serious illnesses and drug reactions may cause your kidneys to stop working suddenly (acute kidney failure). Our nephrologists have years of experience treating acute kidney failure. Your care may include receiving fluids through an intravenous (IV) line. Some people need medications to remove excess fluid. Our personalized approach helps many people make a full recovery.
  • Convenience: If you need dialysis, you may be eligible for home dialysis. This treatment allows you to get the care you need from the comfort of home. Home dialysis also makes it easier to fit treatments into your busy schedule. Read more about home dialysis.
  • Leadership: AHN is home to a nationally recognized fellowship program where we are training future kidney disease experts. Our nephrologists lead training activities that reflect AHN’s high standards for graduate medical education and patient care. These same physicians deliver the latest treatments and personalized attention you deserve. 

Our nephrologists and their specialized chronic kidney disease care

Our physicians are board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology. Board certification means our doctors passed exams demonstrating their expertise in kidney disease care. They also stay up-to-date with the latest kidney disease care practices. Their level of training shows you can count on us for care that meets your needs.

Our team approach to treating chronic kidney disease

Our nephrologists work alongside other AHN physicians to help you get the best possible care — even for complex conditions that are difficult to treat.

Our nephrologists work alongside other AHN physicians to help you get the best possible care — even for complex conditions that are difficult to treat.

We use a team approach care for people with problems such as:

Kidney failure

Our nephrologists perform sophisticated tests to determine whether you are eligible for a kidney transplant. During a kidney transplant, surgeons replace your kidney with a healthy one from another person. Our nephrologists partner with AHN’s transplant surgeons to deliver the care you need until a new kidney becomes available. Find out more about kidney transplant.

Icon of Apollo partner ribbon

Our transplant team is proud to be part of the APOL1 Long-term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes (APOLLO) Network, a national study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that is working to address racial disparities in kidney transplant outcomes.

Glomerular disease

This condition can be a complication of disorders that cause the body to attack healthy tissue (autoimmune disease). You receive specialized care from a team of doctors, including nephrologists, autoimmune disease specialists (rheumatologists), and other specialists. Our team approach helps you receive care that addresses all of your challenges right from the start. Read more about our Autoimmunity Institute.

Hypertension

High blood pressure (hypertension) that does not respond to traditional treatments can damage your kidneys. Our nephrologists work alongside cardiovascular physicians in AHN’s Hypertension Clinic to care for people who are at risk for kidney damage. Learn more about our Cardiovascular Institute.

Other kidney conditions we treat

We deliver excellent care for a broad range of kidney problems, including:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Diabetic nephropathy, which is kidney disease in people with diabetes
  • High levels of protein in the urine
  • Inherited kidney disorders, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which are passed down in families
  • Kidney problems that occur in pregnant women, including bacterial infections

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN nephrology services.