What tele-nephrology covers
CKD staging and progression planning. AKI follow-up and med-dosing questions. Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances. Proteinuria and hematuria workup. Resistant hypertension optimization. Pre-dialysis planning and vascular access decisions. Delivered as curbsides for quick questions, eConsults for documented opinions, or tele-visits when needed.
Who uses tele-nephrology
Rural and community hospitals for inpatient nephrology consultation. Primary care clinics for CKD comanagement. Anywhere a nephrologist is a six-week wait away — which is most of the country outside major metros.
The premium standard
The consulting physician should be a board-certified nephrologist with meaningful post-fellowship experience. Beam requires NPI verification, board certification, and a minimum of 3 years post-residency on every tele-nephrology case.
Frequently asked
Is tele-nephrology billable?
Yes. Tele-visits are billed as standard outpatient E/M codes. Provider-to-provider eConsults are billable under CPT 99451 and 99452 when documentation criteria are met.
Can tele-nephrology support dialysis patients?
It supports the pre-dialysis planning stage — access decisions, education, and timing. Chronic dialysis rounding still typically requires in-person or telemedicine at the dialysis unit itself.
Who qualifies as a tele-nephrologist?
A board-certified nephrologist with an active US state medical license. Premium platforms require NPI verification and a minimum of 3 years post-fellowship experience.
How Beam delivers tele-nephrology
Beam is the premium telemedicine partner — every clinician is NPI-verified with a minimum of 3 years post-residency (or post-credential for allied roles).
See Beam Tele-Nephrology