Nephrology

We treat acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden decline in kidney function often caused by dehydration, infection, or certain medications. Our care focuses on restoring fluid balance, adjusting medications, and using temporary dialysis if needed. For urinary tract obstructions caused by kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate, CLS Health offers surgical, medication-based, and minimally invasive treatment options to restore kidney flow and prevent lasting damage. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops gradually, often from diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders. Our team helps slow progression through blood pressure control, diet modification, and medication management. We also treat polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition that causes painful cysts and high blood pressure, with treatment plans focused on symptom relief and preserving kidney function. 

Our nephrologists specialize in immune-mediated kidney conditions such as lupus nephritis, vasculitis, and renal artery stenosis. Treatments may include immunosuppressive therapies, corticosteroids, or angioplasty to restore healthy blood flow. We focus on reducing inflammation, protecting kidney tissue, and maintaining long-term organ health. 

High blood pressure is both a cause and a result of kidney disease. At CLS Health, we use medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs, along with lifestyle counseling and continuous monitoring, to protect the kidneys from hypertension-related damage. Our goal is to maintain optimal kidney function and prevent future complications. 

We evaluate and treat proteinuria (protein in the urine) and electrolyte imbalances that signal kidney dysfunction. Our approach includes medication management, tailored nutrition, and regular monitoring to prevent further damage. By addressing sodium, potassium, and calcium imbalances, we help restore stability and improve overall kidney performance. 

Our nephrologists manage kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) using both conservative and procedural methods. Depending on severity, treatments may include increased hydration, pain control, shock wave lithotripsy, or surgical removal. We also provide preventive care to reduce the risk of recurrence through diet and medication guidance. 

For patients with significant kidney failure, CLS Health provides in-center hemodialysis in a safe, monitored environment. Dialysis helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood, improving energy levels, and overall health. Our team supports each patient through education, nutritional counseling, and long-term care coordination. 

We offer comprehensive kidney transplant services, from pre-transplant evaluation through post-transplant monitoring. Our specialists manage anti-rejection medications, monitor kidney function, and provide lifelong support to protect the new organ. CLS Health’s goal is to help every patient achieve the best possible kidney health and quality of life after transplant. 

• Aetna Select
• Open Access Selects
• Elect Choice
• Aetna Open Access Elect Choice
• Aetna Choice POS II
• Managed Choice
• Open Choice PPO
• Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans

CLS Health does not accept:

• Aetna CVS Marketplace Plans

* Some providers may not accept this insurance, please call to confirm

• Superior Ambetter Core (Complete, Clear, Focused, Standard Silver and Gold)
• Superior Ambetter Value (Clear Value Silver, Focused Value Silver, CMS Standard Silver & Gold Value, Everyday Value Gold)
• Superior Ambetter Virtual (Ambetter Virtual Access Silver, CMS Standard Virtual Access Basic Silver, Ambetter Virtual Access Gold)
• Superior Health Plan CHIP*
• Superior Health Plan MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug)
• Superior Health Plan Medicare
• Superior Health Plan MMP Medicaid*
• Superior Health Plan MMP Medicare
• Superior Health Plan STAR*
• Superior Health Plan STAR Kids*
• Superior Health Plan STAR+PLUS*

CLS Health participates in most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans including:

• Blue Choice PPO
• Blue Essentials
• Blue Essentials Access
• HealthSelect
• HealthSelect of Texas In Area
• Consumer Directed HealthSelect in Area
• HealthSelect of Texas Out of State
• Consumer Directed Health Select Out of State
• HealthSelect Secondary 65+
• Medicare Advantage HMO
• Medicare Advantage PPO
• Medicare Advantage Value HMO
• POS
• Traditional/Par Plan
• TRS-Active Care
• TRS-Care Standard
• BCBS MyBlue Health (Marketplace)

*Some providers may not accept Community Health Choice, please call to confirm

• MarketplacePremier
• Medicaid*CHIPCHIP PerinateSTAR
• Medicare AdvantageDual-Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)

CLS Health accepts most Cigna plans, including:

• Cigna HMO
• Cigna Local Plus
• Cigna Open Access Plus
• Cigna PPO

• ChoiceCare PPO
• EPO
• HMO
• HMO Premier
• Medicare Advantage Plans
• HumanaChoice - Medicare Advantage PPO plan
• Humana Gold Choice - Medicare Advantage Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan
• Human Gold Plus - Medicare Advantage HMO & Special Needs Plan
• Military (TRICARE South Region Military Health Plan)
• POS - including Choice POS, National POS Open Access/Plus and Preferred POS Open Access.
• PPO

*Some providers may not accept United Healthcare, please call to confirm

• Commercial, HMO, POS, EPO and PPO Plans (Charter, Choice,Core, Doctors Plan, Freedon, Heritage, Navigate, Nexus ACO, Options PPO, Passport Connect, Select)
• Indemnity
• Medicare Advantage (AARP, Care Improvement Plus, C-SNP, D-SNP, I-SNP, Erickson Advantage, ERS Medicare Advantage, TRS-Care Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare Chronic Complete, UnitedHealthcare Connected (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete, UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO, United Healthcare Medicare Complete)
• Community Plans* (CHIP, CHIP Perinate, Star, Star Kids, Star Plus, MMP)
• Wellmed (Wellmed Dual SNP Focus, Wellmed Medicare Advantage Focus)

*Some providers may not accept Wellpoint, please call to confirm

• Medicaid (All Texas Plans Including the Below)*
• CHIP
• CHIP Perinate
• STAR
• STAR+PLUS
• STAR Kids
• Medicare Advantage
• C-SNP
• D-SNP
• I-SNP
• Medicare Advantage HMO
• Medicare-Medicaid (MMP)
• Medicare-Medicaid Program (MMP)
• STAR+PLUS MMP

*Some providers may not accept insurance, please call to confirm

PPO Networks

• Beechstreet PPO
• Carnival Cruise Lines PPO
• Envolve Benefit Options Vision-PPO, HMO
• First Health
• Curative/First Health
• Galaxy Health Network
• HealthSmart Preferred Care
• Accel
• Healthsmart Payors Organization
• Multiplan PPO
• Tricare (Humana) PPO/Prime

Employer-Specific Plans

• Brazoria County Employees – Aetna TPA Brazoria County Employees

Workers’ Compensation Plans

• Workers’ Comp
• Auto & Workers’ Comp

Medicare and Medicare Advantage

• Medicare Traditional
• Medicare Advantage
• Memorial Hermann Health Solutions Commercial and Medicare
• Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP
• Medicare-Medicaid Program (MMP)
• STAR+PLUS MMP
• Alignment Health Plan
• AllyAlign Health
• American Health Plans
• Florida Complete Care
• Gold Kidney Health Plan
• Imperial Health
• Independent Health
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
• Mass Advantage
• Presbyterian Health Plan
• PriorityHealth
• Provider Partners
• SCAN
• UCare
• Vantage Health Plan
• Verda Healthcare
• Zing Health

Medicaid and CHIP Programs

• Molina Healthcare* (Marketplace, Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinate, STAR, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS)
• Texas Children's Health Plans*
• TMHP (Traditional Medicaid) Traditional Medicaid

Specialty Plans

• VA Community Cares Network CCN

A kidney specialist is called a nephrologist. Nephrologists diagnose and treat kidney diseases, high blood pressure, dialysis, and kidney transplants. 

When should I see a nephrologist? If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), high blood pressure, kidney stones, or abnormal lab results. 

Doctors check glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to measure kidney function: 

• 90+ GFR: Normal kidney function 
• 60-89 GFR: Mild kidney disease 
• 30-59 GFR: Moderate kidney disease 
• Below 30 GFR: Severe kidney disease 
• Below 15 GFR: Kidney failure (dialysis or transplant needed) 

A creatinine blood test also helps determine kidney health. 

Kidney failure (also known as end-stage renal disease, ESRD) happens when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste. Common causes include: 

• Diabetes (leading cause of kidney failure) 
• High blood pressure (damages kidney blood vessels) 
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression 
• Autoimmune diseases (like lupus nephritis) 
• Severe infections or dehydration 

• Swelling (edema) in legs, feet, or face 
• Foamy or bloody urine 
• Frequent urination (especially at night) 
• Fatigue & weakness 
• High blood pressure 

Early detection is critical — get your kidney function tested if you experience these symptoms. 

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is caused by bacteria traveling from the bladder or urinary tract to the kidneys. Common causes include: 

• Untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
• Kidney stones (causing blockages) 
• Weakened immune system 
• Diabetes (increases infection risk) 

Symptoms: Fever, back pain, nausea, frequent urination. Treatment: Antibiotics and hydration. 

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and stick together. Common causes include: 

• Dehydration (not drinking enough water) 
• High sodium & oxalate diet (found in salty foods, nuts, and spinach) 
• Genetic predisposition 
• Certain medical conditions (hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections) 

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 8+ cups a day) 
• Maintain healthy blood pressure & blood sugar 
• Eat a low-sodium, low-protein diet if advised 
• Avoid excessive NSAIDs (like ibuprofen & naproxen) 
• Quit smoking & reduce alcohol intake 

• High-sodium foods (processed foods, canned soup, fast food) 
• High-phosphorus foods (dairy, nuts, soda) 
• Red meat & processed meats (linked to kidney disease) 
• High-oxalate foods (spinach, rhubarb, chocolate - can contribute to kidney stones) 

For kidney-friendly diets, favor fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 

• Water (best for kidney function & preventing kidney stones) 
• Lemon water (may help prevent kidney stones) 
• Cranberry juice (for UTI prevention) 
• Green tea (rich in antioxidants) 

Avoid: Sugary sodas, excessive coffee, and high-phosphorus drinks like cola. 

• Drink plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters daily) 
• Reduce sodium intake 
• Limit oxalate-rich foods (spinach, beets, chocolate) 
• Eat calcium-rich foods (dairy, tofu) to balance oxalates 
• Maintain a healthy weight & diet