Nephrology in Houston, TX.Board-certified kidney care for patients across Houston, Katy, East Houston, and Groesbeck — CKD, hypertension, dialysis, and transplant follow-up at an independent, physician-owned practice.

It depends on your insurance. Most PPO plans allow you to self-refer. HMO plans typically require a primary care referral. Medicare and Medicare Advantage rules vary by plan. Call (713) 597-5131 and our team will verify referral requirements for your specific plan in under a minute.

The core tests are serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated GFR (eGFR), and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) to check for protein leakage. A complete metabolic panel evaluates electrolytes; urinalysis looks for blood, protein, and casts. Depending on findings, additional testing may include kidney ultrasound, 24-hour urine collection, or specific antibody panels for autoimmune kidney disease.

A nephrologist is an internal medicine physician who specializes in the medical management of kidney disease — CKD, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, dialysis, and transplant follow-up. A urologist is a surgeon who handles surgical care of the urinary tract — bladder and prostate conditions and surgical removal of kidney stones. Stone evaluation often involves both specialties.

Established patients can use telehealth for many follow-up visits — lab reviews, medication adjustments, and routine CKD check-ins. New patients are typically seen in person for a first visit, then can transition to telehealth for follow-ups. Telehealth is covered by most commercial plans, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage.

Self-pay rates for a new-patient nephrology visit at Remix Medical typically range from $250 to $400; follow-up visits are $150 to $250. Lab work and imaging are billed separately by the ordering facility. If cost is a concern, ask the front desk — we can often arrange a payment plan or identify lower-cost lab options.

Yes. Many patients come to us for a second opinion on CKD management, dialysis decisions, or complex hypertension. Bring your most recent labs, imaging reports, and a list of medications. We’ll review your situation, confirm or refine the diagnosis, and either agree with the current plan or recommend changes. You’re never obligated to transfer care.

Several common medications can harm the kidneys, especially in patients with existing CKD. The most frequent culprits are NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), certain contrast dyes used in imaging, and some antibiotics (particularly aminoglycosides). Over-the-counter herbal supplements can also be risky. Tell every doctor you see that you have kidney disease — it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect remaining function.

Yes. A meaningful creatinine rise over weeks, new heavy proteinuria, or sudden swelling all warrant urgent nephrology evaluation. Call (713) 597-5131 and explain the situation; we reserve same-day or next-day slots for urgent new referrals. If symptoms include severe shortness of breath, confusion, or you haven't urinated in 12+ hours, go to the emergency room.