National Kidney Foundation clinics provide kidney disease screening, treatment planning, and patient education at locations across the United States

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) operates a network of clinics where nephrologists and kidney specialists see patients with chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and related conditions. These are not emergency rooms — they are outpatient clinics where you schedule an appointment in advance. The clinics focus on slowing kidney disease progression, managing blood pressure and blood sugar to protect remaining kidney function, and preparing patients for dialysis or transplant if needed.

NKF clinics are separate from the foundation's educational programs and support groups. If you are looking for a clinic where a doctor will examine you and order tests, you need to find a physical location in your area. The foundation maintains a clinic locator on its website, though availability varies by region — some states have multiple clinics, and others have none.

Key Takeaways

  • NKF clinics are staffed by nephrologists and kidney nurses who manage chronic kidney disease and prepare patients for dialysis or transplant.
  • You will need a referral from your primary care doctor or a current nephrologist to schedule an appointment at most NKF clinics.
  • The clinics offer blood work, blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and education about diet and kidney disease progression.
  • NKF clinics are not the same as dialysis centers — they focus on slowing disease and planning treatment, not delivering dialysis itself.
  • You can search for a clinic near you using the NKF's clinic locator tool on their website, though not all regions have locations.

What happens during a visit to an NKF clinic

Your first appointment typically includes a full medical history, blood pressure check, and blood and urine tests to measure kidney function. The nephrologist will review your results, discuss what stage of kidney disease you have, and explain what is happening to your kidneys. They will also ask about your diet, medications, and any symptoms you have noticed.

Follow-up visits focus on monitoring your kidney function over time and adjusting treatment to slow disease progression. This might mean changing blood pressure medications, adding a medication to protect your kidneys, or referring you to a dietitian who specializes in kidney disease. If your kidney function declines to the point where dialysis or transplant becomes necessary, the clinic staff will discuss your options and help you prepare.

How to find an NKF clinic and schedule an appointment

Start by visiting the National Kidney Foundation website and using their clinic locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see which clinics operate in your area. The locator shows the clinic address, phone number, and sometimes hours of operation.

Before you call, contact your primary care doctor or current nephrologist and ask for a referral. Most NKF clinics require a referral from another physician before they will schedule you. When you call the clinic, have your insurance information ready and ask whether they accept your plan. Some clinics are in-network for most major insurers, but this varies by location and plan.

If no NKF clinic is near you, ask your doctor to refer you to a nephrology practice in your area instead. Many independent nephrology offices provide the same services as NKF clinics.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of all medications and supplements you take — including over-the-counter products. If you have recent lab results from another doctor, bring those too. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork.

The visit itself usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You will sit in an exam room while the nurse checks your blood pressure and weight, then the nephrologist will come in to talk with you. They may order blood work or imaging on the same day, or they may schedule tests for another visit. If tests are done that day, plan to stay longer.

Insurance coverage and costs at NKF clinics

NKF clinics are medical facilities, so they bill your insurance like any other doctor's office. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, the clinic will submit claims to your plan. You will owe your copay, coinsurance, or deductible depending on your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, ask the clinic about their financial information or sliding scale fees. Many NKF clinics have social workers on staff who can discuss payment options and connect you with programs that help uninsured patients pay for care.

Difference between NKF clinics and dialysis centers

NKF clinics are where nephrologists manage your kidney disease and plan your treatment. Dialysis centers are where you receive dialysis treatment if your kidneys fail. Some large medical centers have both services in one building, but they are separate departments with different purposes.

If your kidney function drops below 15 percent, your nephrologist will refer you to a dialysis center to begin treatment. The NKF clinic may continue to see you for overall kidney disease management even after you start dialysis, or your care may shift entirely to the dialysis center's nephrologist.

What to do if there is no NKF clinic in your area

Many regions do not have a National Kidney Foundation clinic. If that is the case where you live, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a nephrologist in private practice or at a hospital-based nephrology department. These doctors provide the same level of care as NKF clinic nephrologists.

You can also contact the National Kidney Foundation directly to ask whether they know of kidney disease resources or support groups in your area. The foundation runs educational programs and patient support groups separate from its clinics, and staff can point you toward local options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a doctor at an NKF clinic?

Yes, most NKF clinics require a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician. Call the clinic to confirm their referral policy before you contact your doctor. Some clinics may make exceptions for patients with very advanced kidney disease.

What if my insurance is not accepted at the nearest NKF clinic?

Call the clinic and ask whether they can bill your insurance or whether you would pay out-of-pocket. Ask about financial information programs or sliding scale fees. If costs are too high, ask your doctor for a referral to a nephrology practice that does accept your plan.

Can I go to an NKF clinic if I am already on dialysis?

Some NKF clinics see dialysis patients for ongoing kidney disease management, but others focus only on patients before dialysis. Call the clinic and tell them you are on dialysis to ask whether they can see you. Your dialysis center's nephrologist may be your primary kidney doctor once treatment begins.

How often will I need to visit an NKF clinic?

This depends on your kidney function and how stable your condition is. Early-stage kidney disease may require visits every 3 to 6 months. As your kidney function declines, you may need to come in monthly or more often. Your nephrologist will tell you the schedule that is right for you.

Can NKF clinics perform dialysis or transplant surgery?

No. NKF clinics manage kidney disease and prepare you for treatment, but they do not perform dialysis or transplant surgery. If you need dialysis, your nephrologist will refer you to a dialysis center. If you are a transplant candidate, they will refer you to a transplant center for evaluation and surgery.