Nephrologist VS Urologist

There are many medical specialty areas that seemingly treat overlapping conditions.  As a result, it is difficult to know what type of doctor to consult for a particular ailment.  Choosing between a nephrologist and a urologist is a good example of this problem.

Medical Definition

Nephrologist:  A Nephrologist is a doctor of internal medicine trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the kidneys.

Urologist:  A urologist is a physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the urogenital system, which includes the reproductive organs and the organs involved in the production of urine.  Additionally, urologists have surgical training related to their specialty.

Areas of Treatment

Nephrologist

• Nephrolithiasis or kidney stones


• Electrolyte issues


• Renal related hypertension or high blood pressure


• Acute kidney disease


• Renal failure


• Dialysis treatment


• Kidney transplant

Urologist

• Urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and muscular control issues


• Interstitial cystitis, inflammation of the bladder and abnormalities in its lining


• Hematuria or presence of blood urine


• Infertility


• Sexual dysfunction


• Erectile dysfunction


• Prostate, kidney, bladder and testicle cancers


• Prostatitis, inflamed prostate gland


• Renal disease


• Urinary tract infections


• Interstitial cystitis

Education and Training

Nephrologist

• Medical degree


• Three year minimum nephrology residency 


• Two year minimum patient care


• Certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ABIM, requires graduate degree and certification examination


• Nephrology certification by the ABIM requires internal medicine certification by the Board in addition to completion of the Board's nephrology training requirements and examination

Urologist

• Medical degree


• Five year minimum urology residency


• Certification by the American Board of Urology requires graduate degree and certification examinations

Specialty Areas

Nephrologist

• Pediatric nephrology


• Adult nephrology

Urologist

• Pediatric urology


• Urologic oncology


• Neurourology


• Male infertility and erectile dysfunction


• Female urology


• Calculi or urologic stones