Nephrology

Nephrology is the medical subspecialty that deals with the kidneys, especially their functions and diseases. A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the kidney.

Kidneys are essentially blood-cleansing organs. Your kidneys serve several vital functions, including:

  • Remove waste from the body in the form of urine
  • Filter toxins from the blood
  • Help to regulate blood pressure and the balance of certain important nutrients, including potassium and calcium.

Dialysis is a life-saving process that artificially replaces the functions of the kidney. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves removing blood from the body and filtering it in a machine. Peritoneal dialysis is internal or in-body dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis entails use of a blood-cleansing solution called “dialysate” that is injected into the peritoneal cavity, the region of the abdomen that is lined by the peritoneum.


Please click on a location below to view a list of Nephrology providers in this community.

Ames (515) 239-4440 1015 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

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McFarland Clinic PC is central Iowa's largest physician-owned multi-specialty clinic. The McFarland Clinic PC network of health care providers serves residents
in 11 Iowa communities with an additional 12 communities served by physician outreach clinics. We strive to be the trusted choice for coordinated healthcare delivered by caring professionals dedicated to individual well-being.
For more information, please contact (515) 239-4400.

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